Process for manufacturing benzoxazinones

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing benzoxazinones of formula (I), 
                         
wherein the variables are defined according to the description,
 
by reacting carbamates of formula (II) are reacted with carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) in the presence of a base.

This application is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/EP2013/066719, filed Aug. 9, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/684,160 filed Aug. 17, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to European Patent Application No. 12180843.0 filed Aug. 17, 2012 the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to a process for manufacturing benzoxazinones of formula (I), which are herbicidal active compounds.

WO 2010/145992 discloses a synthesis of herbicidal benzoxazinones from amino-benzoxazinones via the corresponding isocyanates. This process requires the use of diphosgene. Hence, there is still room for improvement, specifically in view of economic and ecological aspects.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient process for manufacturing benzoxazinones of formula (I) that also offers an alternative to the use of diphosgene.

Surprisingly it has been found that benzoxazinones of formula (I) can be prepared by reacting carbamates of formula (II) with carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) in the presence of a base.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing benzoxazinones of formula (I),

-   -   wherein     -   R¹ is H, halogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   R² is H, halogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   R³ is H, halogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   R⁴ is H, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl,         C₃-C₆-alkenyl, C₃-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₃-C₆-alkynyl,         C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   R⁵ is H or C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   R⁶ is H or C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   W is O or S; and     -   Z is O or S;         wherein carbamates of formula (II),

-   -   wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are defined as in formula (I); and     -   R⁷ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl,         C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl, aryl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or         aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl,         -   wherein the aryl or heteroaryl rings are unsubstituted,             partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to             five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN,             NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,             C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, formyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl,             hydroxycarbonyl, and C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl;             are reacted with carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III),

-   -   wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and W are defined as in formula (I); and     -   R⁸ is C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl, C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl, aryl,         5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl,     -   wherein the aryl or heteroaryl rings are unsubstituted,         partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five         substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂,         C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,         C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, formyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, hydroxycarbonyl,         and C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl;         in the presence of a base.

Moreover the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing benzoxazinones of formula (I) starting with carbamates of formula (II), which have been prepared by reacting (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) with chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) in the presence of a base.

Moreover the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing benzoxazinones of formula (I) starting with carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), which have been prepared by reacting amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of formula (VII), optionally in the presence of a base.

The organic moieties mentioned in the definition of the compounds and the substituents according to the invention, esp. of variables R¹ to R⁸ are—like the term halogen—collective terms for individual enumerations of the individual group members. The term halogen denotes in each case fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. All hydrocarbon chains, i.e. all alkyl, can be straight-chain or branched, the prefix C_(n)-C_(m) denoting in each case the possible number of carbon atoms in the group.

Examples of such meanings are:

-   -   C₁-C₄-alkyl: for example CH₃, C₂H₅, n-propyl, CH(CH₃)₂, n-butyl,         CH(CH₃)—C₂H₅, CH₂—CH(CH₃)₂ and C(CH₃)₃;     -   C₁-C₆-alkyl and also the C₁-C₆-alkyl moieties of         C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl,         C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl, aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl:         C₁-C₄-alkyl as mentioned above, and also, for example, n-pentyl,         1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl,         1-ethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl,         1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl,         1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl,         2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl,         1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl,         1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl or         1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,         1-methylethyl, n-butyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, n-pentyl or n-hexyl;     -   C₁-C₄-haloalkyl: a C₁-C₄-alkyl radical as mentioned above which         is partially or fully substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine         and/or iodine, for example, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl,         trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl,         chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl,         bromomethyl, iodomethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl,         2-bromoethyl, 2-iodoethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl,         2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethyl,         2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl,         2,2,2-trichloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 2-fluoropropyl,         3-fluoropropyl, 2,2-difluoropropyl, 2,3-difluoropropyl,         2-chloropropyl, 3-chloropropyl, 2,3-dichloropropyl,         2-bromopropyl, 3-bromopropyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl,         3,3,3-trichloropropyl, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl,         heptafluoropropyl, a C₁-C₃-haloalkyl radical as mentioned above,         and also, for example, 1-(fluoromethyl)-2-fluoroethyl,         1-(chloromethyl)-2-chloroethyl, 1-(bromomethyl)-2-bromoethyl,         4-fluorobutyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 4-bromobutyl, nonafluorobutyl,         1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl and         1-trifluoromethyl-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl;     -   C₁-C₆-haloalkyl: C₁-C₄-haloalkyl as mentioned above, and also,         for example, 5-fluoropentyl, 5-chloropentyl, 5-bromopentyl,         5-iodopentyl, undecafluoropentyl, 6-fluorohexyl, 6-chlorohexyl,         6-bromohexyl, 6-iodohexyl and dodecafluorohexyl;     -   C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and also the cycloalkyl moieties of         C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl: monocyclic saturated hydrocarbons         having 3 to 6 ring members, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,         cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl;     -   C₃-C₆-alkenyl: for example 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl,         1-methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl,         1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl,         2-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl,         4-pentenyl, 1-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl,         3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl,         3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1-methyl-3-butenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl,         3-methyl-3-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl,         1,2-dimethyl-1-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl,         1-ethyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-propenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl,         3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 1-methyl-1-pentenyl,         2-methyl-1-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-pentenyl, 4-methyl-1-pentenyl,         1-methyl-2-pentenyl, 2-methyl-2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-2-pentenyl,         4-methyl-2-pentenyl, 1-methyl-3-pentenyl, 2-methyl-3-pentenyl,         3-methyl-3-pentenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 1-methyl-4-pentenyl,         2-methyl-4-pentenyl, 3-methyl-4-pentenyl, 4-methyl-4-pentenyl,         1,1-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl,         1,2-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-butenyl,         1,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl,         1,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl,         2,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl,         2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl,         3,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl,         1-ethyl-1-butenyl, 1-ethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-3-butenyl,         2-ethyl-1-butenyl, 2-ethyl-2-butenyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl,         1,1,2-trimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propenyl,         1-ethyl-2-methyl-1-propenyl and 1-ethyl-2-methyl-2-propenyl;     -   C₂-C₆-alkenyl: a C₃-C₆-alkenyl radical as mentioned above, and         also ethenyl;     -   C₃-C₆-haloalkenyl: a C₃-C₆-alkenyl radical as mentioned above         which is partially or fully substituted by fluorine, chlorine,         bromine and/or iodine, for example 2-chloroprop-2-en-1-yl,         3-chloroprop-2-en-1-yl, 2,3-dichloroprop-2-en-1-yl,         3,3-dichloroprop-2-en-1-yl, 2,3,3-trichloro-2-en-1-yl,         2,3-dichlorobut-2-en-1-yl, 2-bromoprop-2-en-1-yl,         3-bromoprop-2-en-1-yl, 2,3-dibromoprop-2-en-1-yl,         3,3-dibromoprop-2-en-1-yl, 2,3,3-tribromo-2-en-1-yl or         2,3-dibromobut-2-en-1-yl;     -   C₃-C₆-alkynyl: for example 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl,         2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-methyl-2-propynyl, 1-pentynyl,         2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-methyl-2-butynyl,         1-methyl-3-butynyl, 2-methyl-3-butynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl,         1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl, 1-ethyl-2-propynyl, 1-hexynyl,         2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-hexynyl, 1-methyl-2-pentynyl,         1-methyl-3-pentynyl, 1-methyl-4-pentynyl, 2-methyl-3-pentynyl,         2-methyl-4-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1-pentynyl, 3-methyl-4-pentynyl,         4-methyl-1-pentynyl, 4-methyl-2-pentynyl,         1,1-dimethyl-2-butynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butynyl,         1,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl,         3,3-dimethyl-1-butynyl, 1-ethyl-2-butynyl, 1-ethyl-3-butynyl,         2-ethyl-3-butynyl and 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propynyl;     -   C₂-C₆-alkynyl: C₃-C₆-alkynyl as mentioned above and also         ethynyl;     -   C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl: a C₃-C₆-alkynyl radical as mentioned above         which is partially or fully substituted by fluorine, chlorine,         bromine and/or iodine, for example 1,1-difluoroprop-2-yn-1-yl,         3-chloroprop-2-yn-1-yl, 3-bromoprop-2-yn-1-yl,         3-iodoprop-2-yn-1-yl, 4-fluorobut-2-yn-1-yl,         4-chlorobut-2-yn-1-yl, 1,1-difluorobut-2-yn-1-yl,         4-iodobut-3-yn-1-yl, 5-fluoropent-3-yn-1-yl,         5-iodopent-4-yn-1-yl, 6-fluorohex-4-yn-1-yl or         6-iodohex-5-yn-1-yl;     -   C₁-C₄-alkoxy: for example methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy,         1-methylethoxy butoxy, 1-methylpropoxy, 2-methylpropoxy and         1,1-dimethylethoxy;     -   C₁-C₆-alkoxy and also the C₁-C₆-alkoxy moieties of         C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl: C₁-C₄-alkoxy as         mentioned above, and also, for example, pentoxy, 1-methylbutoxy,         2-methylbutoxy, 3-methoxylbutoxy, 1,1-dimethylpropoxy,         1,2-dimethylpropoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, 1-ethylpropoxy,         hexoxy, 1-methylpentoxy, 2-methylpentoxy, 3-methylpentoxy,         4-methylpentoxy, 1,1-dimethylbutoxy, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy,         1,3-dimethylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylbutoxy, 2,3-dimethylbutoxy,         3,3-dimethylbutoxy, 1-ethylbutoxy, 2-ethylbutoxy,         1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1,2,2-trimethylpropoxy,         1-ethyl-1-methylpropoxy and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropoxy;     -   C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy: a C₁-C₄-alkoxy radical as mentioned above         which is partially or fully substituted by fluorine, chlorine,         bromine and/or iodine, i.e., for example, fluoromethoxy,         difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, chlorodifluoromethoxy,         bromodifluoromethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy,         2-bromomethoxy, 2-iodoethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy,         2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethoxy,         2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethoxy,         2,2,2-trichloro-ethoxy, pentafluoroethoxy, 2-fluoropropoxy,         3-fluoropropoxy, 2-chloropropoxy, 3-chloropropoxy,         2-bromopropoxy, 3-bromopropoxy, 2,2-difluoropropoxy,         2,3-difluoropropoxy, 2,3-dichloropropoxy,         3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy, 3,3,3-trichloropropoxy,         2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropoxy, heptafluoropropoxy,         1-(fluoromethyl)-2-fluoroethoxy,         1-(chloromethyl)-2-chloroethoxy, 1-(bromomethyl)-2-bromoethoxy,         4-fluorobutoxy, 4-chlorobutoxy, 4-bromobutoxy and         nonafluorobutoxy;     -   C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy: C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy as mentioned above, and also,         for example, 5-fluoropentoxy, 5-chloropentoxy, 5-bromopentoxy,         5-iodopentoxy, undecafluoropentoxy, 6-fluorohexoxy,         6-chlorohexoxy, 6-bromohexoxy, 6-iodohexoxy and         dodecafluorohexoxy;     -   aryl and also the aryl moieties of aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl: a mono- to         trinuclear aromatic carbocycle having 6 to 14 ring members, such         as for example phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl and phenanthrenyl;     -   5- or 6-membered heteroaryl: an aromatic 5- or 6-membered         monocyclic heterocycle which, in addition to carbon atoms         comprises one to three nitrogen atoms, one or two nitrogen atoms         and one sulfur atom, one nitrogen and one oxygen atom, one         oxygen atom, or one sulfur atom as ring members, for example         5-membered aromatic rings such as like furyl (for example         2-furyl, 3-furyl), thienyl (for example 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl),         pyrrolyl (for example pyrrol-2-yl, pyrrol-3-yl), pyrazolyl (for         example pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl), isoxazolyl (for example         isoxazol-3-yl, isoxazol-4-yl, isoxazol-5-yl), isothiazolyl (for         example isothiazol-3-yl, isothiazol-4-yl, isothiazol-5-yl),         imidazolyl (for example imidazole-2-yl, imidazole-4-yl),         oxazolyl (for example oxazol-2-yl, oxazol-4-yl, oxazol-5-yl),         thiazolyl (for example thiazol-2-yl, thiazol-4-yl,         thiazol-5-yl), oxadiazolyl (for example 1,2,3-oxadiazol-4-yl,         1,2,3-oxadiazol-5-yl, 1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl,         1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl, 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl), thiadiazolyl (for         example 1,2,3-thiadiazol-4-yl, 1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl,         1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl, 1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl,         1,3,4-thiadiazolyl-2-yl), triazolyl (for example         1,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl); and for example         6-membered aromatic rings such as pyridyl (for example         pyridine-2-yl, pyridine-3-yl, pyridine-4-yl), pyrazinyl (for         example pyridazin-3-yl, pyridazin-4-yl), pyrimidinyl (for         example pyrimidin-2-yl, pyrimidin-4-yl, pyrimidin-5-yl),         pyrazin-2-yl, triazinyl (for example 1,3,5-triazin-2-yl,         1,2,4-triazin-3-yl, 1,2,4-triazin-5-yl, 1,2,4-triazin-6-yl).

The reaction of the carbamates of formula (II) with the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) in the presence of a base is generally carried out at a temperature in the range from −20° C. to the boiling point of the solvent used; preferably in the range from −20 to 150° C., particularly preferred in the range from 0 to 120° C., more preferably in the range from 20 to 80° C.

In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the carbamates of formula (II) and the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) are used in equimolar amounts.

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) are used in excess with regard to the carbamates of formula (II).

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the carbamates of formula (II) are used in excess with regard to the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III). This embodiment is preferred.

Preferably the molar ratio of the carbamates of formula (II) to the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) is in the range from 1.5:1 to 1:0.9, preferably 1.1:1 to 1:0.9, especially preferred 1:0.9, also especially preferred 1:1.

The reaction of the carbamates of formula (II) with the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) is carried out in the presence of a base.

Examples of suitable bases include metal-containing bases and nitrogen-containing bases.

Examples of suitable metal-containing bases are inorganic compounds such as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and other metal hydroxides, such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxide, and other metal oxides, such as lithium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and magnesium oxide, iron oxide, silver oxide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydrides such as lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium hydride and calcium hydride; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal formates, acetates and other metal salts of carboxylic acids, such as sodium formate, sodium benzoate, lithium acetate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, magnesium acetate, and calcium acetate; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates such as lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate, as well as alkali metal hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates) such as lithium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal phosphates such as sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate and calcium phosphate; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal aryloxides such as sodium phenolate and potassium phenolate; and furthermore organic bases, such as ammonia, tertiary amines like C₁-C₆-alkylamines, preferably trialkylamines, such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, N-ethyldiisopropylamine; and also N-methylpiperidine, 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), imidazole, pyridine, substituted pyridines such as collidine, lutidine, N-methylmorpholine and 4-dimethylaminopyridine and also bicyclic amines, such as 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) or 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN)

Preferred bases are alkali metal and alkaline earth metal aryloxides, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates and alkali metal and alkaline earth metal acetates as defined above.

Especially preferred bases are alkali metal and alkaline earth metal aryloxides, and alkali metal and alkaline earth metal acetates as defined above.

The term base as used herein also includes mixtures of two or more, preferably two of the above compounds. Particular preference is given to the use of one base.

The bases are generally employed in catalytic amounts based on the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), however they can also be employed in equimolar amounts or in excess.

Preferably the amount of base is from 1.5 mole equivalents to catalytic amounts, more preferably from 0.3 to 0.01 mole equivalents, especially preferred from 0.3 to 0.1 mole equivalents based on the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III).

The reaction of the carbamates of formula (II) with the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) and a base is usually carried out in a solvent. However the reaction in melt is possible in principle as well.

Suitable in principle are all solvents which are capable of dissolving the carbamates of formula (II) and the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) at least partly and preferably fully under reaction conditions.

Examples of suitable solvents are aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, nitromethane and mixtures of C₅-C₈-alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, chlorobenzene, toluene, cresols, o-, m- and p-xylene, halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and chlorobenzene, ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert.-butyl methylether (TBME), dioxane, anisole and tetrahydrofuran (THF), esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, tert-butyl methyl ketone, cyclohexanone; dipolar aprotic solvents such as sulfolane, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), N,N′-dimethylpropylene urea (DMPU), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1-methyl-2 pyrrolidinone (NMP).

Preferred solvents are esters and dipolar aprotic solvents as described above.

More preferred solvents are ethyl acetate and DMF.

The term solvent as used herein also includes mixtures of two or more of the above compounds.

For the reaction, the carbamates of formula (II), the carbamates-benzoxazinones of formula (III) and the base may be contacted with one another in any desired manner, i.e. the reactants and the base may be introduced into the reaction vessel separately, simultaneously or successively and reacted.

For example, the carbamates of formula (II) and the carbamates-benzoxazinones of formula (III) may be initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and then the desired reaction conditions may be attained. However, it is also possible to introduce the majority or entirety of the carbamates of formula (II) and subsequently add the carbamates-benzoxazinones of formula (III), if appropriate in a solvent, under reaction conditions, into the reaction vessel.

It might be advantageous, to add the base a little at a time.

In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) and the base are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the carbamates of formula (II) are added into the reaction vessel.

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the carbamates of formula (II) and the base are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) are added into the reaction vessel.

In a further particular embodiment of the process according to the invention, in case R⁷ within the carbamates of formula (II) is C₁-C₆-alkyl, especially preferred methyl, the carbamates of formula (II) and the base are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) are added, more preferably are added a little at a time, into the reaction vessel.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%) of the carbamates of formula (II) and the base are initially charged, and the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%) of the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) is added thereto under reaction conditions in the course of the reaction, for example over a period from 0.5 to 20 h and in particular from 1 to 10 h. To this end, the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) will preferably be dissolved in a solvent.

In another preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the carbamates of formula (II) and the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the base is added into the reaction vessel.

The reaction temperature within such preferred embodiment is preferably in the range from 0 to 120° C., more preferably in the range from 20 to 80° C.

Such embodiment is particularly preferred in case R⁷ within the carbamates of formula (II) is aryl, especially preferred phenyl.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the carbamates of formula (II) and the carbamates-benzoxazinones of formula (III) are initially charged and then the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%), of the base is added thereto. The reaction may if appropriate be completed by metering in further base.

The reaction can be carried out at atmospheric pressure, reduced pressure or under elevated pressure, if appropriate under an inert gas, continuously or batch-wise.

Preference is given to partly or completely removing the compound R⁷O—H formed in the course of the reaction of the carbamates of formula (II) with carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), especially when the compound R⁷O—H is a C₁-C₄-alkanol such as methanol or ethanol.

To this end, the reaction will be carried out in a manner known per se at a temperature and a pressure at which the compounds R⁷O—H, if appropriate, are partly or completely distilled out of the reaction mixture, optionally as an azeotrope with the solvent.

If appropriate, fresh solvent can be introduced into the mixture for compensation or the solvent distilled off with the compounds R⁷O—H can be recycled into the reaction after optional distillative depletion of the compounds R⁷O—H.

For these reasons, it is advantageous when the solvent used has a boiling point of at least 10° C., in particular at least 30° C., above the boiling point of the compounds R⁷O—H formed in the reaction (each at atmospheric pressure).

Appropriately, the reaction of the carbamates of formula (II) with carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) is carried out in an apparatus which is equipped with at least one distillation or rectification apparatus, for example a distillation column, which firstly allows the compound R⁷O—H, if appropriate together with the solvent, to be distilled off and simultaneously enables removal and recycling of any solvent distilled off with the compound R⁷O—H.

After completion or partial completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture can be worked up by the methods customary for the purpose by means of standard techniques. Examples thereof include filtration, aqueous work-up, and evaporation of solvents and/or other volatile compounds. These methods can also be combined with each other.

In general the solvent used is removed by customary methods, distillatively for example. The crude product can then be taken up in a non-water-miscible organic solvent, any impurities extracted with unacidified or acidified water, and the system can then be dried and the solvent removed under reduced pressure.

For further purification it is possible to employ the typical methods such as crystallization, precipitation (for example by addition of an apolar solvent such as pentane, cyclohexane, heptane or toluene, or mixtures of said solvents) or chromatography.

In a preferred embodiment of the reaction, in case the reaction has been carried out in DMF, the reaction mixture will generally be concentrated and/or cooled and/or a precipitant will be added. Suitable precipitants are solvents in which the benzoxazinones of formula (I) dissolve only to a slight extent, if at all, at least at temperatures below 25° C.

These include in particular alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, tert.-butanol, water, and the like; or mixtures thereof;

preferably methanol, isobutanol and water, or mixtures thereof.

The precipitation or crystallization may be followed by further purification measures.

In another variant of the reaction in the process according to the invention and depending on the base used, after the ending of the reaction, it might be advantageous to dilute the reaction mixture by addition of water and/or acids, the pH of the aqueous phase being adjusted to pH in between 6 to 8, preferably pH=7.

Acids suitable for this purpose are organic acids and aqueous mineral acids known to the skilled worker, such as acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or phosphoric acid, for example.

The reaction mixture can then be worked up by the methods customary therefor. In general, the phases are separated and the solvent used will be removed by customary processes, for example by distillation. For further purification, the customary processes such as for example crystallization (for example also by addition of a nonpolar solvent such as pentane, cyclohexane, heptane or toluene, or mixtures of the solvents mentioned) can be employed.

The preferred embodiments of the invention mentioned herein below have to be understood as being preferred either independently from each other or in combination with one another.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention preference is also given to the preparation of those benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein the variables, either independently of one another or in combination with one another, have the following meanings:

-   R¹ is preferably H or F; particularly preferred H;     -   is also preferably halogen; particularly preferred F or Cl;         especially preferred F; -   R² is preferably halogen; particularly preferred Cl or F; especially     preferred F; -   R³ is preferably H, Cl or F; particularly preferred H or F,     especially preferred H;     -   is also preferably halogen, particularly preferred F or Cl,         especially preferred F; -   R⁴ is preferably C₃-C₆-alkynyl or C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl, more preferably     C₃-alkynyl or C₃-haloalkynyl, particularly preferred CH₂C≡CH,     CH₂C≡CCl or CH₂C≡CBr;     -   is also preferably C₃-C₆-alkynyl or         C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, particularly preferred propargyl         or cyclopropylmethyl;     -   is also preferably C₃-C₆-alkynyl, more preferably C₃-alkynyl;         particularly preferred CH₂C≡CH;     -   is also preferably C₃-C₆-halolkynyl, more preferably         C₃-halolkynyl, particularly preferred CH₂C≡CCl or CH₂C≡CBr; -   R⁵ is preferably C₁-C₆-alkyl; more preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl; most     preferably CH₃; -   R⁶ is preferably C₁-C₆-alkyl; more preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl; most     preferably CH₃; -   W is preferably O,     -   is also preferably S; -   Z is preferably O,     -   is also preferably S.

Particular preference is also given to the preparation of benzoxazinones of formula (I.a), which correspond to benzoxazinones of formula (I) wherein R² is F, R⁵ and R⁶ are CH₃, W is O and Z is S:

-   -   wherein the variables R¹, R³ and R⁴ have the meanings, in         particular the preferred meanings, as defined above;         most preference to the preparation of benzoxazinones of formulae         (I.a.1) to (I.a.54) of Table A listed below, in which the         variables R¹, R³ and R⁴ together have the meanings given in one         row of Table A (benzoxazinones of formulae I.a.1 to I.a.54); and         where the definitions of the variables R¹, R³ and R⁴ are of         particular importance for the process and the compounds         according to the invention not only in combination with one         another but in each case also on their own:

TABLE A No. R¹ R³ R⁴ I.a.1 H H H I.a.2 H H CH₃ I.a.3 H H C₂H₅ I.a.4 H H CH₂—C₂H₅ I.a.5 H H CH(CH₃)₂ I.a.6 H H CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ I.a.7 H H CH₂—CH═CH₂ I.a.8 H H CH₂C≡CH I.a.9 H H CH₂C≡C—Br I.a.10 H F H I.a.11 H F CH₃ I.a.12 H F C₂H₅ I.a.13 H F CH₂—C₂H₅ I.a.14 H F CH(CH₃)₂ I.a.15 H F CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ I.a.16 H F CH₂—CH═CH₂ I.a.17 H F CH₂C≡CH I.a.18 H F CH₂C≡C—Br I.a.19 F H H I.a.20 F H CH₃ I.a.21 F H C₂H₅ I.a.22 F H CH₂—C₂H₅ I.a.23 F H CH(CH₃)₂ I.a.24 F H CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ I.a.25 F H CH₂—CH═CH₂ I.a.26 F H CH₂C≡CH I.a.27 F H CH₂C≡C—Br I.a.28 F F H I.a.29 F F CH₃ I.a.30 F F C₂H₅ I.a.31 F F CH₂—C₂H₅ I.a.32 F F CH(CH₃)₂ I.a.33 F F CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ I.a.34 F F CH₂—CH═CH₂ I.a.35 F F CH₂C≡CH I.a.36 F F CH₂C≡C—Br I.a.37 Cl H H I.a.38 Cl H CH₃ I.a.39 Cl H C₂H₅ I.a.40 Cl H CH₂—C₂H₅ I.a.41 Cl H CH(CH₃)₂ I.a.42 Cl H CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ I.a.43 Cl H CH₂—CH═CH₂ I.a.44 Cl H CH₂C≡CH I.a.45 Cl H CH₂C≡C—Br I.a.46 Cl F H I.a.47 Cl F CH₃ I.a.48 Cl F C₂H₅ I.a.49 Cl F CH₂—C₂H₅ I.a.50 Cl F CH(CH₃)₂ I.a.51 Cl F CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ I.a.52 Cl F CH₂—CH═CH₂ I.a.53 Cl F CH₂C≡CH I.a.54 Cl F CH₂C≡C—Br

More particular preference is given to the preparation of the benzoxazinones of formulae (I.a.28) and (I.a.35) as defined above:

Very particular preference is given to the preparation of the benzoxazinone of formula (I.a.28) as defined above.

Also very particular preference is given to the preparation of the benzoxazinone of formula (I.a.35) as defined above.

With respect to the substituents within the carbamates of formula (II) necessary for the process according to the invention,

the particularly preferred embodiments of the carbamates of formula (II) correspond, either independently of one another or in combination with one another, to those of the variables of R⁵, R⁶ and Z of formula (I); and

-   R⁷ is preferably C₁-C₆-alkyl, aryl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or     aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl,     -   wherein the heteroaryl or aryl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   particularly preferred C₁-C₆-alkyl or aryl, wherein the aryl         ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   also particularly preferred aryl or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, wherein         the aryl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   also particularly preferred C₁-C₆-alkyl or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl,         wherein the aryl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   especially preferred C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   more preferred CH₃;     -   also especially preferred aryl, wherein the aryl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   also especially preferred aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, wherein the         aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group; -   R⁷ is also preferably C₁-C₆-alkyl, phenyl or benzyl,     -   more preferably methyl, ethyl, phenyl or benzyl,     -   especially preferably methyl, phenyl or benzyl,     -   wherein the phenyl or the benzyl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated or substituted             by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group,         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one             chlorine atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted;         -   also more preferred substituted by one chlorine atom,         -   also more preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   particularly preferred C₁-C₆-alkyl or phenyl, wherein the phenyl         ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated or substituted             by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group,         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one             chlorine atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted;         -   also more preferred substituted by one chlorine atom,         -   also more preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   also particularly preferred phenyl or benzyl, wherein the phenyl         or the benzyl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated or substituted             by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group,         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one             chlorine atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted;         -   also more preferred substituted by one chlorine atom,         -   also more preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   also particularly preferred C₁-C₆-alkyl or benzyl, wherein the         benzyl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated or substituted             by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group,         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one             chlorine atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted;         -   also more preferred substituted by one chlorine atom,         -   also more preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   especially preferred phenyl, wherein the phenyl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated or substituted             by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group,         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one             chlorine atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted;         -   also more preferred substituted by one chlorine atom,         -   also more preferred substituted by one CH₃ group; -   Z is preferably O,     -   is also preferably S.

Particular preference is also given to carbamates of formulae (II.1) to (II.8) of Table B listed below, in which the variables R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and Z together have the meanings given in one row of Table B (carbamates of formulae II.1 to II.8); and where the definitions of the variables R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and Z are of particular importance for the compounds according to the invention not only in combination with one another but in each case also on their own:

TABLE B No. R⁵ R⁶ R⁷ Z II.1 CH₃ CH₃ CH₃ O II.2 CH₃ CH₃ C₂H₅ O II.3 CH₃ CH₃ C₆H₅ O II.4 CH₃ CH₃ CH₂—C₆H₅ O II.5 CH₃ CH₃ CH₃ S II.6 CH₃ CH₃ C₂H₅ S II.7 CH₃ CH₃ C₆H₅ S II.8 CH₃ CH₃ CH₂—C₆H₅ S

More particular preference is given to the carbamates of formulae (II.5) and (II.7) as defined above:

Very particular preference is given to the carbamate of formula (II.5) as defined above. Also very particular preference is given to the carbamate of formula (II.7) as defined above. The carbamates of formula (II) necessary for the process according to the invention can be prepared by reacting (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) with chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) in the presence of a base:

The reaction of the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) with the chloroformic acid ester of formula (V), in the presence a base is generally carried out at a temperature in the range from −10 to 130° C., preferably in the range from 15 to 110° C., more preferably in the range from 20 to 80° C.

In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) are used in excess with regard to the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV).

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) and the (thio)urea compound of formula (IV) are used in equimolar amounts.

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) are used in excess with regard to the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V).

Preferably the molar ratio of the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) to the (thio)urea compound of formula (IV) is in the range from 0.9:1 to 1.5:1, preferably from 1.05:1 to 1.15:1, especially preferred 1.1:1, more preferred 1.05:1.

The reaction of the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) with the chloroformic acid ester of formula (V) is carried out in the presence of a base.

Examples of suitable bases include metal-containing bases and nitrogen-containing bases.

Examples of suitable metal-containing bases are inorganic compounds such as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and other metal hydroxides, such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxide, and other metal oxides, such as lithium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and magnesium oxide, iron oxide, silver oxide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydrides such as lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium hydride and calcium hydride, alkali metal amides such as lithium amide, sodium amide and potassium amide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal acetates such as lithium acetate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, magnesium acetate, and calcium acetate; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates such as lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate, as well as alkali metal hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates) such as lithium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal phosphates such as potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate; metal organic compounds, preferably alkali metal alkyls such as methyl lithium, butyl lithium and phenyl lithium, alkyl magnesium halides such as methyl magnesium chloride and isopropyl magnesium chloride, as well as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal alkoxides such as sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-pentoxide and dimethoxymagnesium; and furthermore organic bases, such as tertiary amines such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine and N-methylpiperidine, pyridine, substituted pyridines such as collidine, lutidine, N-methylmorpholine and 4-dimethylaminopyridine and also bicyclic amines.

Examples of suitable nitrogen-containing bases are C₁-C₆-alkylamines, preferably trialkylamines, for example triethylamine, trimethylamine, N-ethyldiisopropylamine; pyridine, lutidine, collidine, 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), imidazole, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) or 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN).

Preferred bases are alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkali metal hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates) and C₁-C₆-alkylamines.

Especially preferred bases are alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates and alkali metal hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates).

The term base as used herein also includes mixtures of two or more, preferably two of the above compounds. Particular preference is given to the use of one base.

The bases are generally employed in equimolar amounts; however they can also be employed in excess or, if appropriate, be used as solvent.

Preferably the bases are used in excess, more preferably the ratio of the (thio)urea compound (IV) to the base is in the range from 1:2, preferably from 1:1.8, particularly preferred 1:1.1 mole equivalents based on the (thio)urea compound of the formula IV.

It may be advantageous to add the base over a period of time.

The reaction of the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) with the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V), and a base is carried out in a solvent.

Suitable in principle are all solvents which are capable of dissolving the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) and the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) at least partly and preferably fully under reaction conditions.

Examples of suitable solvents are aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, nitromethane and mixtures of C₅-C₈-alkanes; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, chlorobenzene, toluene, cresols, o-, m- and p-xylene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and chlorobenzene; ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert.-butyl methylether (TBME), dioxane, anisole and tetrahydrofuran (THF); esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, tert-butyl methyl ketone, cyclohexanone; as well as dipolar aprotic solvents such as sulfolane, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), N,N′-dimethylpropylene urea (DMPU), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1-methyl-2 pyrrolidinone (NMP).

Preferred solvents are ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, nitriles and esters as defined above. Particularly preferred solvents are THF, toluene, acetonitrile and ethylacetate.

The term solvent as used herein also includes mixtures of two or more of the above solvents.

For the reaction, the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV), the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) and the base may be contacted with one another in any desired manner, i.e. the reactants and the base may be introduced into the reaction vessel separately, simultaneously or successively and reacted. For example, the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) and the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) may be initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and then the desired reaction conditions may be attained. However, it is also possible to introduce the majority or entirety of the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) and subsequently add the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V), if appropriate in a solvent, under reaction conditions, into the reaction vessel.

It might be advantageous, to add the base a little at a time.

In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) and the base are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) are added, more preferably are added a little at a time, into the reaction vessel.

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) and the base are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) are added, more preferably are added a little at a time, into the reaction vessel.

Such embodiment is particularly preferred in case R⁷ within the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) is C₁-C₆-alkyl, especially preferred methyl.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%) of the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) and the base are initially charged, and the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%) of the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) is added thereto under reaction conditions in the course of the reaction, for example over a period of from 0.5 to 20 h and in particular from 1 to 10 h. To this end, the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) will preferably be dissolved in a solvent.

In another preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) and the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the base is added into the reaction vessel; more preferably is added into the reaction vessel a little at a time.

Such embodiment is particularly preferred in case R⁷ within the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) is aryl, especially preferred phenyl.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) and the chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) are initially charged and then the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%), of the base is added thereto. The reaction may if appropriate be completed by metering in further base.

The reaction can be carried out at atmospheric pressure, reduced pressure or under elevated pressure, if appropriate under an inert gas, continuously or batch-wise.

After completion or partial completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture can be worked up by the methods customary for the purpose by means of standard techniques. Examples thereof include filtration, aqueous work-up, and evaporation of solvents and/or other volatile compounds. These methods can also be combined with each other.

In general the solvent used is removed by customary methods, distillatively for example. The crude product can then be taken up in a non-water-miscible organic solvent, any impurities extracted with unacidified or acidified water, and the system can then be dried and the solvent removed under reduced pressure.

For further purification it is possible to employ the typical methods such as crystallization, precipitation (for example by addition of an apolar solvent such as pentane, cyclohexane, heptane or toluene, or mixtures of said solvents) or chromatography.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I) are prepared by

-   a) reacting (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) with chloroformic     acid esters of formula (V) to give carbamates of formula (II); and -   b) reacting the carbamates of formula (II) from step a) with     carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) to give benzoxazinones of     formula (I).

The (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) necessary for the preparation of the carbamates of formula (II) are commercially available or can be prepared by methods known in the art.

(Thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) can be prepared by reacting iso(thio)cyanates of formula (XIII) with amines of formula (XIV):

-   -   wherein R⁵, R⁶ and Z are as defined as in formulae (I) and (II)         above.

The reaction of iso(thio)cyanates of formula (XIII) with amines of formula (XIV) is usually carried out at a temperature in the range from −10 to 130° C., preferably in the range from 15 to 110° C., more preferably in the range from 20 to 40° C. (e.g. G. Kaupp et al., Tetrahedron 56, 2000, pages 6899-6911).

The reaction of the iso(thio)cyanates of formula (XIII) with amines of formula (XIV) is carried out in a solvent.

Examples of suitable solvents are aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, nitromethane and mixtures of C₅-C₈-alkanes; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, chlorobenzene, toluene, cresols, o-, m- and p-xylene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and chlorobenzene; ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert.-butyl methylether (TBME), dioxane, anisole and tetrahydrofuran (THF); esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, tert-butyl methyl ketone, cyclohexanone; as well as dipolar aprotic solvents such as sulfolane, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), N,N′-dimethylpropylene urea (DMPU), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1-methyl-2 pyrrolidinone (NMP).

Preferred solvents are ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, nitriles and esters as defined above. Particularly preferred solvents are THF, acetonitrile and ethyl acetate.

The term solvent as used herein also includes mixtures of two or more of the above solvents.

Work up can be carried out in a known manner.

The iso(thio)cyanates of formula (XIII) required for the preparation of the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) are commercially available.

The amines of formula (XIV) required for the preparation of the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) are commercially available.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I), are prepared by

-   a) reacting iso(thio)cyanates of formula (XIII) with amines of     formula (XIV) to give (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV); -   b) reacting the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) from step a)     with chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) to give carbamates of     formula (II); and -   c) reacting the carbamates of formula (II) from step b) with     carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) to give benzoxazinones of     formula (I).

In one embodiment of the present invention the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) are isolated prior to be used in step b), wherein the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) are reacted with chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) to give carbamates of formula (II) as described above.

In another embodiment the (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) are not isolated, and the reaction mixture obtained in step a) is directly used in step b) and reacted with chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) to give carbamates of formula (II) as described above.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I), are prepared by

-   a) reacting iso(thio)cyanates of formula (XIII) with amines of     formula (XIV); -   b) reacting the reaction mixture resulting from step a) with     chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) to give carbamates of     formula (II); and -   c) reacting the carbamates of formula (II) from step b) with     carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) to give benzoxazinones of     formula (I).

The chloroformic acid esters of formula (V) necessary for the preparation of the carbamates of formula (II) are commercially available.

With respect to the variables within the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III),

the particularly preferred embodiments of the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) correspond, either independently of one another or in combination with one another, to those of the variables of R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and W of formula (I) and R⁸ is preferably C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, aryl, or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl,

-   -   wherein the aryl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   particularly preferred C₁-C₆-haloalkyl or aryl,     -   wherein the aryl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   especially preferred C₁-C₆-haloalkyl;     -   also especially preferred aryl, wherein the aryl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   more preferred phenyl, wherein the phenyl ring is         -   unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or             substituted by one to five substituents selected from the             group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,             OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred unsubstituted, partially or fully             halogenated or substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred unsubstituted or substituted by one             halogen atom or one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred unsubstituted, substituted by one chlorine             atom or by one CH₃ group;         -   most preferred unsubstituted;         -   also most preferred substituted by one chlorine atom;         -   also most preferred substituted by one CH₃ group;     -   also more preferred phenyl, wherein the phenyl ring is         -   partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to             five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN,             NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and             C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy;         -   particularly preferred partially or fully halogenated or             substituted by one C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   especially preferred substituted by one halogen atom or one             C₁-C₆-alkyl group;         -   more preferred substituted by one chlorine atom or by one             CH₃ group.

Particular preference is given to the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III.a), which correspond to carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) wherein R² is F, R⁸ is phenyl and W is O:

-   -   wherein the variables R¹, R³ and R⁴ have the meanings, in         particular the preferred meanings, as defined above;         special preference is given to the carbamat-benzoxazinones of         formulae (III.a.1) to (III.a.54) of Table C listed below, in         which the variables R¹, R³ and R⁴ together have the meanings         given in one row of Table C (carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae         III.a.1 to III.a.54); and where the definitions of the variables         R¹, R³ and R⁴ are of particular importance for the process         according to the invention not only in combination with one         another but in each case also on their own:

TABLE C No. R¹ R³ R⁴ III.a.1 H H H III.a.2 H H CH₃ III.a.3 H H C₂H₅ III.a.4 H H CH₂—C₂H₅ III.a.5 H H CH(CH₃)₂ III.a.6 H H CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ III.a.7 H H CH₂—CH═CH₂ III.a.8 H H CH₂C≡CH III.a.9 H H CH₂C≡C—Br III.a.10 H F H III.a.11 H F CH₃ III.a.12 H F C₂H₅ III.a.13 H F CH₂—C₂H₅ III.a.14 H F CH(CH₃)₂ III.a.15 H F CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ III.a.16 H F CH₂—CH═CH₂ III.a.17 H F CH₂C≡CH III.a.18 H F CH₂C≡C—Br III.a.19 F H H III.a.20 F H CH₃ III.a.21 F H C₂H₅ III.a.22 F H CH₂—C₂H₅ III.a.23 F H CH(CH₃)₂ III.a.24 F H CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ III.a.25 F H CH₂—CH═CH₂ III.a.26 F H CH₂C≡CH III.a.27 F H CH₂C≡C—Br III.a.28 F F H III.a.29 F F CH₃ III.a.30 F F C₂H₅ III.a.31 F F CH₂—C₂H₅ III.a.32 F F CH(CH₃)₂ III.a.33 F F CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ III.a.34 F F CH₂—CH═CH₂ III.a.35 F F CH₂C≡CH III.a.36 F F CH₂C≡C—Br III.a.37 Cl H H III.a.38 Cl H CH₃ III.a.39 Cl H C₂H₅ III.a.40 Cl H CH₂—C₂H₅ III.a.41 Cl H CH(CH₃)₂ III.a.42 Cl H CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ III.a.43 Cl H CH₂—CH═CH₂ III.a.44 Cl H CH₂C≡CH III.a.45 Cl H CH₂C≡C—Br III.a.46 Cl F H III.a.47 Cl F CH₃ III.a.48 Cl F C₂H₅ III.a.49 Cl F CH₂—C₂H₅ III.a.50 Cl F CH(CH₃)₂ III.a.51 Cl F CH₂—CH₂—(CH₃)₂ III.a.52 Cl F CH₂—CH═CH₂ III.a.53 Cl F CH₂C≡CH III.a.54 Cl F CH₂C≡C—Br

Also particularly preferred are the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula III.b, particularly preferred the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.b.1 to III.b.54, which differ from the corresponding carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.a.1 to III.a.54 only in that R⁸ is 4-chlorophenyl:

Also particularly preferred are the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula III.c, particularly preferred the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.c.1 to III.c.54, which differ from the corresponding carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.a.1 to III.a.54 only in that R⁸ is 4-CH₃-phenyl:

Also particularly preferred are the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula III.d, particularly preferred the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.d.1 to III.d.54, which differ from the corresponding carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.a.1 to III.a.54 only in that R⁸ is 3-CH₃-phenyl:

Also particularly preferred are the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula III.e, particularly preferred the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.e.1 to III.e.54, which differ from the corresponding carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae III.a.1 to III.a.54 only in that R⁸ is 2-CH₃-phenyl:

More particular preference is given to the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formulae (III.a.28) and (III.a.35), as defined above:

Very particular preference is given to the carbamat-benzoxazinone of formula (III.a.28). Also very particular preference is given to the carbamat-benzoxazinone of formula (III.a.35).

The carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) necessary for the process according to the invention can be prepared by reacting amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of formula (VII), optionally in the presence of a base:

In case the reaction of the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of formula (VII), is conducted in the presence of a base, the reaction is generally carried out at a temperature in the range from −40° C. to the boiling point of the solvent used, for example from −40 to 150° C., preferably in the range from −20 to 100° C., more preferably in the range from 0 to 70° C.

In case the reaction of the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of formula (VII), is conducted in the absence of a base, the reaction is generally carried out at a temperature in the range from −40° C. to the boiling point of the solvent used, for example from −40 to 150° C., preferably in the range from 0 to 150° C., more preferably in the range from 50 to 130° C.

In case THF is used as the solvent, the reaction is preferably carried out at room temperature, i.e. at about 20° C.

In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the compounds of formula (VII) are used in excess with regard to the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI).

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the compounds of formula (VII) and the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) are used in equimolar amounts.

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) are used in excess with regard to the compounds of formula (VII).

Preferably the molar ratio of the compounds of formula (VII) to the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) is in the range from 0.9:1 to 1.5:1, preferably from 1.0:1 to 1.1:1.

In one embodiment the reaction of the amino-benzoxazinone of formula (VI) with the compounds of formula (VII) is carried out in the presence of a base.

Examples of suitable bases include metal-containing bases and nitrogen-containing bases. Examples of suitable metal-containing bases are inorganic compounds such as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and other metal hydroxides, such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxide, and other metal oxides, such as lithium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and magnesium oxide, iron oxide, silver oxide; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydrides such as lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium hydride and calcium hydride; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal acetates such as lithium acetate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, magnesium acetate, and calcium acetate; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates such as lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate, as well as alkali metal hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates) such as lithium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate; alkali metal and alkaline earth metal phosphates such as potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate; metal organic compounds, preferably alkali metal alkyls such as methyl lithium, butyl lithium and phenyl lithium; alkyl magnesium halides such as methyl magnesium chloride and isopropyl magnesium chloride as well as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal alkoxides such as sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-pentoxide and dimethoxymagnesium.

Examples of suitable nitrogen-containing bases are C₁-C₆-alkylamines, preferably trialkylamines, for example triethylamine, trimethylamine, N-ethyldiisopropylamine, ammonia, N-methylpiperidine, pyridine, substituted pyridines such as lutidine, collidine and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), N-methylmorpholine, imidazole, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) or 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN).

Preferred bases are tertiary amines and alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates and bicarbonates as mentioned above.

Especially preferred bases are triethylamine and alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates as mentioned above.

The term base as used herein also includes mixtures of two or more, preferably two of the above compounds. Particular preference is given to the use of one base.

The bases are generally employed in equimolar amounts; however they can also be employed in catalytic amounts, in excess or, if appropriate, be used as solvent.

In another embodiment the reaction of the amino-benzoxazinone of formula (VI) with the compounds of formula (VII) is carried out in the absence of a base. Such embodiment is preferred.

The reaction may in principle be carried out in substance. However, preference is given to reacting the amino-benzoxazinones (VI) with the compounds of formula (VII), and optionally a base, in an organic solvent. Suitable in principle are all solvents which are capable of dissolving the amino-benzoxazinones (VI) and the compounds of formula (VII), and optionally a base at least partly and preferably fully under reaction conditions.

Examples of suitable solvents are aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, hexane, cyclohexane, nitromethane and mixtures of C₅-C₈-alkanes; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, chlorobenzene, toluene, cresols, o-, m- and p-xylene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and chlorobenzene; ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert.-butyl methylether (TBME), dioxane, anisole and tetrahydrofuran (THF); esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, tert-butyl methyl ketone, cyclohexanone; as well as dipolar aprotic solvents such as sulfolane, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), N,N′-dimethylpropylene urea (DMPU), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1-methyl-2 pyrrolidinone (NMP).

Preferred solvents are ethers, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons and nitriles as described above. Particularly preferred solvents are THF, ethyl acetate, toluene and acetonitrile.

Especially preferred solvents are ethyl acetate and toluene.

The term solvent as used herein also includes mixtures of two or more of the above solvents.

For the reaction, the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI), the compounds of formula (VII) and optionally the base may be contacted with one another in any desired manner, i.e. the reactants and optionally the base may be introduced into the reaction vessel separately, simultaneously or successively and reacted. For example, the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) and the compounds of formula (VII) may be initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and then the desired reaction conditions may be attained. However, it is also possible to introduce the majority or entirety of the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) and subsequently add the compounds of formula (VII), if appropriate in a solvent, under reaction conditions, into the reaction vessel.

In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the compounds of formula (VII) and optionally the base are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) are added, more preferably are added a little at a time, into the reaction vessel.

In another embodiment of the process according to the invention, the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) and optionally the base are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and subsequently the compounds of formula (VII) are added, more preferably are added a little at a time, into the reaction vessel. Such embodiment is preferred.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%) of the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) and optionally the base are initially charged, and the majority, in particular at least 80% and more preferably the entirety or virtually the entirety (>95%) of the compounds of formula (VII) is added thereto under reaction conditions in the course of the reaction, for example over a period of from 0.5 to 20 h and in particular from 1 to 10 h. To this end, the compounds of formula (VII) will preferably be dissolved in a solvent.

The reaction can be carried out at atmospheric pressure, reduced pressure or under elevated pressure, if appropriate under an inert gas, continuously or batchwise.

It might be advantageous to partly, almost completely or completely remove the HCl formed in the course of the reaction.

After completion or partial completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture can be worked up by the methods customary for the purpose by means of standard techniques. Examples thereof include filtration, aqueous work-up, and evaporation of solvents and/or other volatile compounds. These methods can also be combined with each other.

In general the solvent used is removed by customary methods, distillatively for example. The crude product can then be taken up in a non-water-miscible organic solvent, any impurities extracted with unacidified or acidified water, and the system can then be dried and the solvent removed under reduced pressure.

In case the reaction of the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of formula (VII), is conducted in the absence of a base, preferably the solvent and optionally the excess of compounds of formula (VII) are removed by customary methods, e.g. by distillation.

Another option for work-up is to remove the HCl developed during the reaction in vacuo or by means of an inert gas flow, and then used the solution obtained without further purification in the subsequent reaction.

In case the reaction of the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of formula (VII) is conducted in the presence of a base, after the ending of the reaction, preferably in a further step the reaction mixture is diluted by addition of water followed by phase separation. The solvent can then be removed by customary methods.

Generally the product is obtained with high purity. If necessary, for further purification it is possible to employ the typical methods such as crystallization, precipitation (for example by addition of an apolar solvent such as pentane, cyclohexane, heptane or toluene, or mixtures of said solvents) or chromatography.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I), are prepared by

-   a) reacting amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of     formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III); and -   b) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) from     step a) with carbamates of formula (II) to give benzoxazinones of     formula (I).

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I), are prepared by

-   a) reacting (thio)urea compounds of formula (IV) with chloroformic     acid esters of formula (V) to give carbamates of formula (II); -   b) reacting amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds of     formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (II); and -   c) reacting the carbamates of formula (II) from step a) with     carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) from step b) to give     benzoxazinones of formula (I).

The amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) necessary for the preparation of the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) can be prepared as follows:

The term “amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI)” combines NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) (corresponding to amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) wherein R⁴ is H), and 4-substituted amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2) (corresponding to amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) wherein R⁴ is R^(#)).

The 4-substituted amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2) necessary for the preparation of the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (VI), wherein R⁴ is R^(#), can be prepared by reacting NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with a base and compounds of formula (VIII), R^(#)L^(#):

-   -   wherein     -   R^(#) is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl,         C₃-C₆-alkenyl, C₃-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₃-C₆-alkynyl,         C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl;     -   L^(#) is halogen or OS(O)₂R⁹;     -   R⁹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl,         C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, phenyl or         phenyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, wherein each phenyl ring independently of         one another is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5         substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, CN,         NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy; and     -   R¹, R², R³ and W are defined as in formula (I) above.

The NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) that are converted into the 4-substituted amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2) can also be used in the form of a salt, for example in form of their alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salt, preferably in the form of their lithium, sodium or potassium salts.

If a salt of the NH-benzoxazinone of formula (VI-1) is used, the addition of a base is not necessary.

The compounds of formula (VIII), R^(#)L^(#), necessary for the preparation of the 4-substituted amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2), are commercially available or can be prepared by methods known in the art, see e.g. Houben-Weyl 1985, E11-2, page 1084.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is R^(#), are prepared by

-   a) reacting NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with a base and     compounds of formula (VIII), R^(#)L^(#), to give 4-substituted     amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2); -   b) reacting the 4-substituted amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2)     from step a) with compounds of formula (VII) to give     carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), wherein R⁴ is R^(#); and -   c) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), wherein R⁴     is R^(#), from step b) with carbamates of formula (II) with to give     benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is R^(#).

The NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) (corresponding to amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) wherein R⁴ is H) necessary for the preparation of the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), wherein R⁴ is H, or for the 4-substituted benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2), can be prepared by reacting dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) with a reducing agent to give diamino compounds of formula (IX) and subsequently treating the diamino compounds of formula (IX) with an acid:

-   -   wherein     -   R^(C), R^(D) are independently of each other C₁-C₆-alkyl,         C₂-C₆-alkenyl, C₂-C₆-alkynyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl,         C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl,         amino-C₁-C₆-alkyl, (C₁-C₆-alkyl)amino-C₁-C₆-alkyl,         di(C₁-C₆-alkyl)-amino-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, phenyl or         benzyl, wherein the phenyl and the benzyl ring are independently         of one another unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5         substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, NO₂,         C₁-C₆-alkyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy,         -   or R^(C) and R^(D) together with the N atom which they are             attached to, represent a saturated or aromatic 3- to             6-membered ring, optionally containing 1 to 3 additional             heteroatoms from the group O, S and N, with the ring             optionally being substituted with 1 to 3 C₁-C₆-alkyl             substituents; and     -   R¹, R², R³ and W are defined as in formula (I) above.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is H, are prepared by

-   a) reacting dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) with a reducing agent     to give diamino compounds of formula (IX); -   b) treating the diamino compounds of formula (IX) with an acid to     obtain NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1); -   c) reacting the NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with compounds     of formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III),     wherein R⁴ is H; and -   d) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), wherein R⁴     is H, from step c) with carbamates of formula (II) with to give     benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is H.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is R^(#), are prepared by

-   a) reacting dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) with a reducing agent     to give diamino compounds of formula (IX); -   b) treating the diamino compounds of formula (IX) with an acid to     obtain NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1); -   c) reacting the NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with a base and     compounds of formula (VIII), R^(#)L^(#), to give 4-substituted     amino-benzoxazinone of formula (VI-2); -   d) reacting the 4-substituted amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2)     with compounds of formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of     formula (III), wherein R⁴ is R^(#); and -   e) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), wherein R⁴     is R^(#), from step d) with carbamates of formula (II) with to give     benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is R^(#).

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (I) are prepared by

-   a) reacting dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) with a reducing agent     to give diamino compounds of formula (IX); -   b) treating the diamino compounds of formula (IX) with an acid to     obtain NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1); -   c) optionally reacting the NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with     a base and compounds of formula (VIII), R^(#)L^(#), to give     4-substituted amino-benzoxazinone of formula (VI-2); -   d) reacting the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds     of formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III);     and -   e) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), from     step d) with carbamates of formula (II) with to give benzoxazinones     of formula (I).

The dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) necessary for preparing the diamino compounds of formula (IX) can be obtained by reacting haloacetamides of formula (XI) with phenols of formula (XII) in the presence of a base to give aryloxyacetamides of formula (X) and, if R^(A) and/or R^(B) in formula (X) are H, subsequently treating the aryloxyacetamides of formula (X) with HNO₃/H₂SO₄:

-   -   wherein     -   R^(A), R^(B) are independently H or NO₂;     -   L is halogen;     -   R¹, R², R³ and W are defined as in formula (I) above; and     -   R^(C) and R^(D) are defined as above.

The haloacetamides of formula (XI) and the phenols of formula (XII) are commercially available or can be prepared by methods known in the art.

The phenols of formula (XII) that are converted into the aryloxyacetamides of formula (X) can also be used in the form of a salt, for example in form of their alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salt, preferably in the form of their sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium salt.

If a salt of the phenol of formula (XII) is used, the addition of a base is not necessary.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is H are prepared by

-   a) reacting haloacetamides of formula (XI) with phenols of     formula (XII) in the presence of a base to obtain aryloxyacetamides     of formula (X); -   b) if R^(A) and/or R^(B) in formula (X) are H, reacting the     aryloxyacetamides of formula (X) with HNO₃/H₂SO₄ to obtain dinitro     compounds of formula (X-1); -   c) reacting dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) with a reducing agent     to give diamino compounds of formula (IX); -   d) treating the diamino compounds of formula (IX) with an acid to     obtain NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1); -   e) reacting the NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with compounds     of formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III),     wherein R⁴ is H; and -   f) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), wherein R⁴     is H, from step e) with carbamates of formula (II) with to give     benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is H.

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is R^(#) are prepared by

-   a) reacting haloacetamides of formula (XI) with phenols of     formula (XII) in the presence of a base to obtain aryloxyacetamides     of formula (X); -   b) if R^(A) and/or R^(B) in formula (X) are H, reacting the     aryloxyacetamides of formula (X) with HNO₃/H₂SO₄ to obtain dinitro     compounds of formula (X-1); -   c) reacting dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) with a reducing agent     to give diamino compounds of formula (IX); -   d) treating the diamino compounds of formula (IX) with an acid to     obtain NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1); -   e) reacting the NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with a base and     compounds of formula (VIII), R^(#)L^(#), to give 4-substituted     amino-benzoxazinone of formula (VI-2); -   f) reacting the 4-substituted amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-2)     with compounds of formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of     formula (III), wherein R⁴ is R^(#); and -   g) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), wherein R⁴     is R^(#), from step d) with carbamates of formula (II) with to give     benzoxazinones of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is R^(#).

Accordingly, in a further preferred embodiment of the process of the invention the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (I) are prepared by

-   a) reacting haloacetamides of formula (XI) with phenols of     formula (XII) in the presence of a base to obtain aryloxyacetamides     of formula (X); -   b) if R^(A) and/or R^(B) in formula (X) are H, reacting the     aryloxyacetamides of formula (X) with HNO₃/H₂SO₄ to obtain dinitro     compounds of formula (X-1); -   c) reacting dinitro compounds of formula (X-1) with a reducing agent     to give diamino compounds of formula (IX); -   d) treating the diamino compounds of formula (IX) with an acid to     obtain NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1); -   e) optionally reacting the NH-benzoxazinones of formula (VI-1) with     a base and compounds of formula (VIII), R^(#)L^(#), to give     4-substituted amino-benzoxazinone of formula (VI-2); -   f) reacting the amino-benzoxazinones of formula (VI) with compounds     of formula (VII) to give carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III);     and -   g) reacting the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), from     step d) with carbamates of formula (II) with to give benzoxazinones     of formula (I).

With respect to the variables within the compounds of formulae (VI-1), (VI-2), (VIII), (IX), (X), (X-1), (XI) or (XII), the particularly preferred embodiments of the compounds of formulae (VI-1), (VI-2), (VIII), (IX), (X), (X-1), (XI) or (XII) correspond, either independently of one another or in combination with one another, to those of the substituents of formulae (I), (II) or (III), or have, either independently of one another or in combination with one another, the following meanings:

-   R^(C) and R^(D) preferably are independently of each other     C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl, C₁-C₆-hydroxyalkyl,     C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl,     -   wherein the phenyl and the benzyl ring are independently of one         another unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 substituents         selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl or         C₁-C₆-alkoxy, -    or R^(C) and R^(D) together with the N atom which they are attached     to, represent a saturated or aromatic 5- to 6-membered ring,     optionally containing 1 additional heteroatom from the group O and     N, with the ring optionally being substituted with 1 to 2     C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents; -    particularly preferred are independently of each other C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-hydroxyalkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl or benzyl,     -   wherein the benzyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to         3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen,         C₁-C₄-alkyl or C₁-C₄-alkoxy,     -   especially preferred the benzyl ring is unsubstituted, -    or R^(C) and R^(D) together with the N atom which they are attached     to, represent a saturated 5- to 6-membered ring, optionally     containing 1 additional oxygen atom, with the ring optionally being     substituted with 1 to 2 C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents; -   L is preferably Cl, Br or I; particularly preferred Cl or Br;     especially preferred Br; -   R^(#) is preferably C₃-C₆-alkynyl or C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl; more     preferably C₃-alkynyl or C₃-haloalkynyl; particularly preferred     CH₂C≡CH, CH₂C≡CCl or CH₂C≡CBr; -    is also preferably C₃-C₆-alkynyl or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl;     particularly preferred propargyl or cyclopropylmethyl; -    is also preferably C₃-C₆-alkynyl; more preferably C₃-alkynyl;     particularly preferred CH₂C≡CH; -    is also preferably C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl; more preferably     C₃-haloalkynyl; particularly preferred CH₂C≡CCl or CH₂C≡CBr; -   L^(#) is preferably halogen or OS(O₂)R⁹;     -   wherein R⁹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, phenyl or phenyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl; wherein         each phenyl ring independently of one another is unsubstituted         or substituted by 1 to 3 C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents; -    is particularly preferred halogen or OS(O₂)R⁹,     -   wherein R⁹ is C₁-C₆-alkyl or phenyl, wherein the phenyl ring is         unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C₁-C₆-alkyl substituents; -    is especially preferred Cl, Br, OS(O)₂CH₃ or OS(O)₂(C₆H₄)CH₃.

The compounds of formula (VII) necessary for the preparation of the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III), are commercially available or can be prepared by methods known in the art, see e.g. J.-P-G. Senet, Science of Synthesis, 2005, 18, page 334.

The invention is illustrated by the following examples without being limited thereto or thereby.

EXAMPLES

The yields of the benzoxazinones of formula (I), the carbamates of formula (II) and the carbamat-benzoxazinones of formula (III) were, unless stated otherwise, determined by means of quantitative HPLC:

Method A

Sample Preparation:

-   -   The samples of the products to be determined were weighed into a         100 ml standard flask which was made up to 100 ml with         acetonitril.         Chromatographic Conditions:     -   Column: Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 1.8 μm 50×4.6 mm from Agilent®     -   Wavelength: 210 nm     -   Eluent: gradient of A (0.1% by volume of H₃PO₄ in H₂O) and B         (0.1% by volume of H₃PO₄ in acetonitrile); starting with 2% B,         then B rising from 2% to 30% within 2 min, then B rising from         30% to 100% within 6 min, then 2 min 100% B, then back to 2%         within 0.1 min.     -   Flow rate: 1.4 ml/min     -   Pressure: approx. 210 bar         Calibration:     -   The calibration was effected with external standard. To         establish the standard, a total of 5 samples of the pure         substances were weighed in the following concentrations         (precision+/−0.1 mg): approx. 0.02 g/l, approx. 0.04 g/l,         approx. 0.06 g/l, approx. 0.08 g/l, approx. 0.10 g/l. With the         aid of a suitable PC program, a calibration line was         established. For the substances detailed above, this was a         linear function. Standard deviation, correlation coefficient and         straight-line equation were calculated. For each of the         components, their concentration can thus be determined based on         the particular external standard.         Method B         Sample Preparation:     -   The samples of the products to be determined were weighed into a         100 ml standard flask which was made up to 100 ml with         acetonitril.         Chromatographic Conditions:     -   Column: Zorbax SB-Phenyl 1.8 μm 50×4.6 mm from Agilent®     -   Wavelength: 210 nm     -   Eluent: gradient of A (0.1% by volume of H₃PO₄ in H₂O) and B         (acetonitrile); starting with 15% B, then B rising from 15% to         50% within 5 min, then B rising from 50% to 100% within 5 min,         then 2 min 100% B, then back to 15% within 0.1 min.     -   Flow rate: 1.3 ml/min     -   Pressure: approx. 365 bar         Calibration:     -   The calibration was effected with external standard. To         establish the standard, a total of 5 samples of the pure         substances were weighed in the following concentrations         (precision+/−0.1 mg): approx. 0.01 g/l, approx. 0.05 g/l,         approx. 0.10 g/l, approx. 0.15 g/l, approx. 0.20 g/l. With the         aid of a suitable PC program, a calibration line was         established. For the substances detailed above, this was a         linear function. Standard deviation, correlation coefficient and         straight-line equation were calculated. For each of the         components, their concentration can thus be determined based on         the particular external standard.

1. Preparation of Benzoxazinones of Formula (I) Examples 1.1 to 1.7 1,5-dimethyl-6-thioxo-3-(2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4-dione

Example 1.1

4.49 g (20.0 mmol) phenyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate and 7.84 g (20.0 mmol) phenyl N-[2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl]carbamate (purity 96%) were dissolved in 40 mL N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), 0.33 g (4.0 mmol) sodium acetate were added and the mixture heated to 60° C. After 3.5 h 32 ml DMF were removed by distillation at 50° C. under reduced pressure. The product precipitated after addition of a mixture of 25 mL methanol and 25 mL H₂O. The solids were collected and washed with 10 mL water and 10 mL methanol. 7.8 g (purity by quant. HPLC 97.8 wt % corresponding to 93% chemical yield; HPLC-method A; t_(R)=5.9 min) of the title compound were obtained.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 7.27 (1H, d), 7.18 (1H, d), 4.76 (2H, s), 3.80 (6H, s), 2.38 (1H, s)

Example 1.2

0.56 g (2.5 mmol) phenyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate and 0.98 g (2.5 mmol) phenyl N-[2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl]carbamate (purity 96%) were dissolved in 20 mL tetrahydrofuran (THF). 49 mg (0.50 mmol) potassium acetate were added and the mixture heated to 60° C. After 4 h the solvent was removed. The product solidified after addition of 10 g 60% aqueous methanol. The solids were collected and washed twice with 2 mL 60% aqueous methanol. 0.95 g (purity by quant. HPLC 99.5 wt % corresponding to 92% chemical yield; HPLC-method A; t_(R)=5.9 min) of the title compound were obtained.

Example 1.3

1.03 g (4.02 mmol) 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3-one was dissolved in 20 mL THF. A solution of 0.63 g (4.02 mmol) phenyl chloroformate in THF was added at 55° C. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at this temperature. Formed HCl was stripped by a nitrogen stream. 8 mL DMF were added and THF distilled off under vacuum. 65 mg (0.79 mmol) sodium acetate and 0.97 g (4.02 mmol) phenyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate (purity 93%) was added and the mixture stirred at 45° C. until HPLC showed complete conversion. 6 g DMF was removed by distillation under reduced pressure and the product precipitated after addition of 8 g 60% aqueous methanol. The solids were collected, washed twice with 60% aqueous methanol and dried in vacuum. 1.51 g (purity by quant. HPLC 97.3% corresponding to 97% chemical yield; HPLC-method A; t_(R)=5.9 min) of the title compound were obtained.

Example 1.4

3.24 g (20.0 mmol) methyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate were dissolved in 30 g DMF and 0.21 g (2.0 mmol) Na₂CO₃ was added. The pressure was reduced to 12 mbar and the mixture heated to reflux (40-42° C.). 7.96 g (20.0 mmol) phenyl N-[2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl]carbamate (purity 94.5%) in 20 g DMF were added continuously over 60 min. Methanol formed in the course of the reaction was removed by co-distillation with DMF. The solvent volume was kept constant by addition of pure DMF from a second feed vessel. The mixture was stirred for another 30 min at this temperature and for 90 min at 25° C. The resulting solution (39.5 g) contained 20.2 wt % of the title compound corresponding to 96.5% chemical yield (HPLC-method A; t_(R)=5.9 min)

Example 1.5

In a nitrogen inerted, stirred reactor 118.7 g of dry ethyl acetate (100%) and 59.3 g (0.375 mol) of phenylchloroformate (99%) were precharged and heated up to 85° C. (reflux conditions). A solution of 100 g (0.354 mol) of 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3-one (90.7%) in 400 g of ethyl acetate was preheated to 60° C. and dosed over 2.5 h. During the dosage HCl gas was formed as co-product and sent to a scrubber operated with NaOH (10%). After a post reaction time of 0.5 h at 79° C. (reflux conditions), 400 g of the solvent was distilled off at normal pressure. Subsequently 400 g of fresh ethyl acetate was added and distilled off again. 441.4 g of DMF was added and 162.8 g of solvent (mainly ethyl acetate) was distilled off at 120-10 mbar and internal temperatures up to 50° C. At 50° C. 80.1 g (0.350 mol) of phenyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate (98.1%) was added followed by 5.8 g (0.071 mol) of dry sodium acetate (100%). The mixture was stirred 3.5 h at 50° C. Afterwards 258.0 g of DMF was distilled off at 5-10 mbar and internal temperatures up to 55° C. For precipitation of the title compound 601.8 g of a mixture methanol/water 3:2 was precharged in a second reactor and heated up to 50° C.

At 50° C. 1.8 g (0.0044 mol) of 1,5-dimethyl-6-thioxo-3-[2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl]-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4-dione was added. Then the concentrated DMF solution of the raw product was dosed in 1.5 h at 50° C. Afterwards the mixture was cooled down to 10° C. and stirred 0.5 h at 10° C. The precipitated product was isolated by filtration and washed twice with 150 g of a mixture methanol/water 3:2 precooled to 0° C. The wet filter cake was dried in a vacuum drying oven. 134.9 g (0.315 mol) of the title compound (96.3 wt % purity determined by quant. HPLC (HPLC-method B; t_(R)=7.1 min) were obtained (corresponding to 89% chemical yield).

Example 1.6

44 g (0.27 mol) methyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate, purity 94.1%, in 414 g DMF were charged to a laboratory glass vessel. 4.64 g (44 mmol) Na₂CO₃ was added. The mixture was heated to reflux at 10 mbar/40° C. Afterwards 111 g (0.27 mol) phenyl N-[2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl]carbamate (purity 91.6%) in 372 g DMF was dosed in at 40° C. under reflux of DMF over 4 h (40° C., 10 mbar). The generated methanol was not condensed together with the DMF and so removed from the mixture. After poststirring of 30 min, the major part of DMF was distilled off (10-20 mbar, 50° C.). The vessel content was cooled to 20° C. and a mixture of 487 g MeOH and 487 g demineralized water was added for precipitation. The resulting suspension was cooled to 3° C. and the product was filtered, washed with water and dried in a vacuum cabinet at 50° C.

107 g (0.255 mol) of the product with a purity of 98.4% determined by quant. HPLC (HPLC-method A; t_(R)=5.9 min) have been obtained (corresponding to 94.5% chemical yield).

Example 1.7

0.38 g (2.0 mmol) ethyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate with a purity of 91.9% was added to 3.5 g DMF. Under agitation, 0.76 g (2.0 mmol) phenyl N-[2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl]carbamate (98.5% purity) and 0.01 g (0.14 mmol) of NaOH powder were added at 35° C. After a poststirring period of 2 h, a chemical yield 70.1% was determined by quantitative HPLC analytics (HPLC-method A; t_(R)=5.9 min) of the product solution.

Example 1.8 1,5-dimethyl-6-thioxo-3-(2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl]-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4-dione

0.97 g (5.0 mmol) methyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate with a purity of 83.3% was dissolved in 4.2 g DMF. 0.14 g (1.7 mmol) sodium acetate was added. The mixture was stirred at 60° C. at a pressure of 25 mbar. Via syringe a solution of 1.32 g (3.7 mmol) phenyl N-(2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-6-yl)carbamate (purity 95.7%) in 4.2 g DMF was added within 2 h. From time to time fresh DMF was added to maintain the solvent volume. After a poststirring period of 1 h, a chemical yield 73% was determined by quantitative HPLC analytics (HPLC-method A; t_(R)=4.9 min) of the product solution.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.98 (1H, br), 10.07 (1H, br), 7.54 (1H, d), 7.40-7.49 (3H, m), 7.20-7.30 (3H, m).

2. Preparation of Carbamates of Formula (II) Example 2.1 Methyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate

420.9 g (4.00 mol) N,N-dimethylthiourea with a purity of 99% were charged to 2000 g toluene. 507 g (4.78 mol) sodium carbonate was added and the suspension heated to 65° C. Afterwards 432.2 g (4.60 mol) methyl chloroformate were dosed in over 5 h at 65° C. The mixture was poststirred at the same temperature over 0.5 h. For work up, demineralized water was added under agitation and the phases separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with 800 g toluene and the organic phases were combined. The product content of the organic solution was determined with 15.15% by quant. HPLC (HPLC-method A; t_(R)=3.6 min), which corresponds to a chemical yield of 90.3%.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 10.1-10.3 (1H, s), 3.82 (3H, s), 3.66 (3H, s), 3.17 (3H, d).

Examples 2.2 and 2.3 Phenyl N-methyl-N-(methylcarbamothioyl)carbamate

Example 2.2

50.0 g (0.66 mol) methylisothiocyanate with a purity of 97% were added to xylene (isomeric mixture). 20.6 g (0.66 mol) of methyl amine were introduced at 20-30° C. with a dip tube resulting in the formation of two layers. The lower slightly yellow layer was separated, transferred to a rotary evaporator, and treated with a vacuum of 10 mbar at 50° C. for 30 min. Qualitative analytics (HPLC, GC) showed complete conversion to N,N′-dimethyl thiourea (no MITC detectable), the composition was 88% DMTU and 12% xylene (GC-area-%).

The N,N′-dimethyl thiourea (0.66 mol) obtained was dissolved in ethyl acetate. 106.0 g (1.00 mol) sodium carbonate were added and 156.6 g (1.00 mol) phenyl chloroformate were dosed over a period of 30 min with the temperature rising to 63° C. The mixture was poststirred at 66° C. for 0.5 h. Demineralized water was added under agitation at the same temperature and the phases separated. A vacuum was applied to the organic phase and 200 ml of a two-phase liquid were distilled off. The vessel was cooled to 5° C. and stirred for 1 h at this temperature. The product was collected by filtration and washed once with cyclohexane. The resulting solid was dried to yield 114.0 g (0.50 mol) of colourless crystals with a purity of 98% (HPLC-method B; t_(R)=5.93 min) and a melting point of 133-135° C. (corresponding chemical yield: 75%).

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 10.5-10.6 (1H, s), 7.38-7.46 (2H, m), 7.24-7.32 (1H, m), 7.09-7.17 (2H, m), 3.89 (3H, s), 3.17 (3H, d).

Example 2.3

50.0 g (0.66 mol) methylisothiocyanate with a purity of 98% were added to ethyl acetate. 22.0 g (0.71 mol) of methyl amine were introduced at 20-30° C. with a dip tube. Nitrogen was bubbled through the solution for 14 h. 106.0 g (1.00 mol) sodium carbonate were added and 156.6 g (1.00 mol) phenyl chloroformate were dosed over a period of 30 min with the temperature rising from 30° C. to 60° C. The mixture was poststirred at 70° C. for 0.5 h. Demineralized water was added under agitation at the same temperature and the phases separated. A vacuum was applied to the organic phase and 100 ml of a two-phase liquid were distilled off. The vessel was cooled to 5° C. and stirred for 1 h at this temperature. The product was collected by filtration and washed once with 50 g of cyclohexane. The resulting solid was dried to yield 124.0 g (0.54 mol) of colourless crystals with a purity of 98% (HPLC-method B; t_(R)=5.93 min; corresponding chemical yield: 82.1%).

3. Preparation of Precursors and Intermediates for the Carbamates of Formula (II) Example 3.1 N,N′-dimethyl thiourea

50.0 g (0.66 mol) methylisothiocyanate with a purity of 97% were added of xylene (isomeric mixture). 20.6 g (0.66 mol) of methyl amine were introduced at 20-30° C. with a dip tube resulting in the formation of two layers. The lower slightly yellow layer was separated, transferred to a rotary evaporator, and treated with a vacuum of 10 mbar at 50° C. for 30 min. Qualitative analytics (HPLC, GC) showed complete conversion to N,N′-dimethyl thiourea (no MITC detectable), the composition was 88% DMTU and 12% xylene (GC-area-%).

4. Preparation of carbamat-benzoxazinones of Formula (III) Examples 4.1 to 1.5 Phenyl N-(2,2,7-trifluoro-3-oxo-4-prop-2-ynyl-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)carbamate

Example 4.1

182.9 g (0.700 mol) 6-Amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one with a purity of 98.1% were dissolved in 521.1 g toluene and heated to reflux (110° C.) under agitation. 122.1 g (0.780 mol) phenyl chloroformate were added over 1 h at 107-112° C. (reflux) and the mixture afterwards poststirred over 1 h at the same temperature (HCl offgas). Low boilers were removed with a rotary evaporator under vacuum. 281.3 g (0.707 mol) of the product were obtained with 94.6% purity determined by quantitative HPLC method A (t_(R)=5.7 min; corresponding chemical yield 100%).

1H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (ppm)=2.31 (t, 1H), 4.76 (d, 2H), 7.07 (d, 1H), 7.19-7.31 (m, 4H), 7.43 (t, 2H), 8.28 (d, 1H).

Example 4.2

53.2 g (0.200 mol) 6-Amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one with a purity of 96.3% were dissolved in 500 mL acetonitrile. 18.48 g (0.22 mol) sodium bicarbonate were added. 34.4 g (0.22 mol) phenyl chloroformate were added slowly at 22° C. and the temperature was kept constant by an ice bath. The mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The solids were removed by filtration. 500 mL dichloromethane were added to the solution and the organic phase was washed three times with water. The organic phase was dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The residue was triturated with warm cyclohexane. The residue was removed by filtration and washed with cyclohexane. 74.0 g of the product were obtained as off-white solid, with a purity of 96.3% determined by quantitative HPLC method A (t_(R)=5.7 min), which corresponds to a chemical yield of 94.7%.

Example 4.3

1.5 g (5.8 mmol) 6-Amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one with a purity of 98.4% were dissolved in 6 g THF. 0.95 g (6.1 mmol) phenyl chloroformate were added. A temperature rise from 23° C. to 32° C. was observed. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature. The mixture was evaporated to dryness. 2.2 g of the product with a purity of 96.2% determined by quantitative HPLC method A (t_(R)=5.7 min) were obtained, which corresponds to a chemical yield 97%.

Example 4.4

6.5 g (24.9 mmol) 6-Amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one with a purity of 98.1% were dissolved in 18.8 g ethyl acetate. The solution was heated to 77° C. and 4.3 g (27.5 mmol) phenyl chloroformate were added within 30 min. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at 77° C. and evaporated to dryness. 9.95 g of the product with a purity of 94.6% determined by quantitative HPLC method A (t_(R)=5.7 min) were obtained, which corresponds to a chemical yield of 100%.

Example 4.5

In a nitrogen inerted, stirred reactor 119.8 g of dry ethyl acetate (100%) and 119.8 g (0.758 mol) of phenyl chloroformate (99%) was precharged and heated up to 85° C. (reflux conditions). 868.8 g (0.702 mol) of a 20.7% solution of 6-Amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one in ethyl acetate was preheated to 60° C. and dosed over 2.5 h. During the dosage HCl gas was formed as co-product and sent to a scrubber operated with NaOH (10%). After a post reaction time of 0.5 h at 79° C. (reflux conditions), 634 g of the solvent was distilled off at normal pressure. Subsequently 698 g of fresh ethyl acetate (100%) was added and 647 g distilled off again. 876.9 g of dry DMF (100%) was added and 280.8 g of solvent (mainly ethyl acetate) was distilled off at 120-10 mbar and internal temperatures up to 50° C. 1112.0 g of a DMF solution containing 23.4% of the product determined by quantitative HPLC method B (t_(R)=6.9 min) was obtained, corresponding to 98.5% chemical yield.

5. Preparation of Precursors and Intermediates for the carbamat-benzoxazinones of Formula (I) Example 5.1 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide

To a solution of ethyl bromodifluoroacetate (370 g, 1.82 mol) in 1000 mL of THF was added a solution of Me₂NH in THF (2.0 M, 1000 mL, 2.0 mol). A slightly exothermic reaction occurred. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was then carefully removed by distillation and the residue purified by rectification. The product was obtained as a colorless liquid (343 g, >99% pure by GC, 1.7 mol, 93% yield).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=3.18 (s, 3H), 3.02 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=158.6 (t, J=25 Hz); 110.5 (t, J=311 Hz); 37.3; 36.7.

Boiling point: 71-76° C. (56 mbar)

Example 5.2 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N,N-diethyl-acetamide

Et₂NH (7.9 g, 108 mmol) was added to ethyl bromodifluoroacetate (20.1 g, 99 mmol) at 30° C. The mixture was stirred for 60 min; then all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. To the residue was added another 7.9 g of Et₂NH and the mixture was stirred another 60 min. Again, all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the residue (16.3 g, >90% purity by NMR) was used in subsequent steps without further purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=3.53 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 3.43 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 1.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 1.20 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=158.7 (t, J=26 Hz); 111.2 (t, J=313 Hz); 43.0; 42.1; 13.9; 11.9.

Example 5.3 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-1-pyrrolidine-1-yl-ethanone

Pyrrolidine (7.7 g, 108 mmol) was added to ethyl bromodifluoroacetate (20.2 g, 100 mmol) at 30° C. The mixture was stirred for 60 min; then all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the residue (24.0 g, >90% purity by NMR) was used in subsequent steps without further purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=3.66 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 3.58 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 2.03 (tt, J=7.0 Hz, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 1.92 (tt, J=7.0 Hz, J=7.0 Hz, 2H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=158.0 (t, J=28 Hz); 111.4 (t, J=313 Hz); 48:0, 47:7, 26:5, 23:4.

Example 5.4 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N-isopropyl-N-methyl-acetamide

Methylisopropylamine (7.9 g, 108 mmol) was added to ethyl bromodifluoroacetate (20.0 g, 99 mmol) at 30° C. The mixture was stirred for 60 min; then all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The residue (10.4 g, >90% purity by NMR) was used in subsequent steps without further purification.

52:48 mixture of rotamers

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=4.54-4.56 (m, 1H); 4.48-4.50 (m, 1H); 3.01 (s, 3H); 2.88 (s, 3H); 1.26 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H); 1.18 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=158.8 (t, J=26 Hz); 111.4 (t, J=313 Hz); 110.8 (t, J=313 Hz); 49.0; 47.1; 29.0; 27.6; 19.9; 18.8.

Example 5.5 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-1-morpholine-1-yl-ethanone

Morpholine (9.4 g, 108 mmol) was added to ethyl bromodifluoroacetate (20.0 g, 99 mmol) at 30° C. The mixture was stirred for 60 min; then all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the residue (13.0 g, >90% purity by NMR) was used in subsequent steps without further purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=3.75-3.82 (m, 4H); 3.63-3.69 (m, 4H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=157.1 (t, J=26 Hz); 110.2 (t, J=310 Hz); 65.7; 65.4; 46.8; 43.4.

Example 5.6 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide from 3-fluorophenol

A mixture of 3-fluoro-phenol (9.8 g, 87.4 mmol), 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide (18.3 g, 89.6 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (13.3 g, 96.2 mmol) in 75 g of DMAC was heated to 100° C. for 1 h and then heated to 120° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and poured on 250 mL of H₂O and 50 mL of toluene. The aqueous phase was extracted with 25 g of toluene. The combined organic layers were extracted with 5% NaOH (20 g) and H₂O (2×20 g) and dried over Na₂SO₄. The product (18.5 g, >98% purity by quant. HPLC, 77.8 mmol, 89% yield) was obtained after removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure as a slightly yellow liquid. The material could be used in subsequent steps without further purification or purified by fractionated distillation.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=7.52-7.57 (m, 1H); 7.18-7.26 (m, 3H); 3.27 (s, 3H); 3.04 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=162.9 (d, J=245 Hz); 158.3 (t, J=35 Hz); 150.3 (d, J=11 Hz); 131.6 (d, J=9 Hz); 117.6 (d, J=3 Hz); 115.7 (t, J=271 Hz); 113.8 (d, J=21 Hz); 109.5 (d, J=25 Hz); 37.1; 36.5.

Boiling point: 102° C. (0.5 mbar)

Example 5.7 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-diethyl-acetamide from 3-fluorophenol

To a mixture of 3-fluoro-phenol (4.9 g, 43.5 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (6.6 g, 47.8 mmol) in 43 g of DMAC at 100° C. was added 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N,N-diethyl-acetamide (10 g, 43.5 mmol). The mixture was kept at that temperature for 1 h and then heated to 120° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and poured on 120 mL of H₂O and 50 mL of toluene. The aqueous phase was extracted with 25 g of toluene. The combined organic layers were extracted with 5% NaOH (20 g) and H₂O (2×20 g) and dried over Na₂SO₄. The product (10.2 g, >90% purity by NMR) was obtained after removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure as a slightly yellow liquid. The material could be used in subsequent steps without further purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=7.31-7.36 (m, 1H); 7.02-7.05 (m, 1H); 6.95-6.99 (m, 2H); 3.58 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 3.45 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 1.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 1.18 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=162.8 (d, J=246 Hz); 158.3 (t, J=31 Hz); 150.4 (d, J=10 Hz); 130.5 (d, J=9 Hz); 116.8 (d, J=3 Hz); 115.4 (t, J=273 Hz); 113.1 (d, J=21 Hz); 109.2 (d, J=25 Hz); 42.2; 41.5; 14.0; 12.2.

Example 5.8 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-1-pyrrolidine-1-yl-ethanone from 3-fluorophenol

To a mixture of 3-fluoro-phenol (4.5 g, 40.0 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (6.1 g, 44.0 mmol) in 40 g of DMAC at 100° C. was added 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-1-pyrrolidine-1-yl-ethanone (9.1 g, 40.0 mmol). The mixture was kept at that temperature for 1 h and then heated to 120° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and poured on 120 mL of H₂O and 30 mL of toluene. The aqueous phase was extracted with 25 g of toluene. The combined organic layers were extracted with 10% NaOH (10 g) and H₂O (2×15 g) and dried over Na₂SO₄. The product (8.3 g, >90% purity by NMR) was obtained after removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure as a slightly yellow liquid. The material could be used in subsequent steps without further purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=7.32-7.36 (m, 1H); 7.02-7.06 (m, 1H); 6.95-7.00 (m, 2H); 3.76 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H); 3.59 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H); 1.98-2.03 (m, 2H); 1.88-1.94 (m, 2H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=162.8 (d, J=246 Hz); 157.6 (t, J=35 Hz); 150.4 (d, J=10 Hz); 130.5 (d, J=10 Hz); 117.0 (d, J=4 Hz); 115.3 (t, J=273 Hz); 113.2 (d, J=21 Hz); 109.3 (d, J=25 Hz); 47.4; 47.0; 26.4; 23.5.

Example 5.9 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-N-isopropyl-N-methyl-acetamide from 3-fluorophenol

To a mixture of 3-fluoro-phenol (4.9 g, 43.5 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (6.6 g, 47.8 mmol) in 46 mL of DMF at 100° C. was added 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N-isopropyl-N-methyl-acetamide (10 g, 43 mmol). The mixture was kept at that temperature for 1 h and then heated to 120° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and poured on 120 mL of H₂O and 30 mL of toluene. The aqueous phase was extracted with 30 mL of toluene. The combined organic layers were extracted with 10% NaOH (16 g) and H₂O (2×15 g) and dried over MgSO₄. The product (8.6 g, >90% purity by NMR) was obtained after removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure as a slightly yellow liquid. The material could be used in subsequent steps without further purification.

51:49 mixture of rotamers

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=7.31-7.36 (m, 2H); 7.02-7.05 (m, 2H); 6.94-6.99 (m, 4H); 4.79 (sept., J=7.0 Hz, 1H); 4.53 (sept., J=7.0 Hz, 1H); 3.05 (s, 3H); 2.90 (s, 3H); 1.26 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H); 1.16 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=162.9 (d, J=246 Hz); 162.8 (d, J=246 Hz); 158.6 (t, J=35 Hz); 158.5 (t, J=35 Hz); 150.5; 150.4; 130.6 (d, J=9 Hz); 130.5 (d, J=9 Hz); 116.8 (d, J=3 Hz); 116.6 (d, J=3 Hz); 115.6 (t, J=273 Hz); 115.5 (t, J=273 Hz); 113.2 (d, J=21 Hz); 113.1 (d, J=21 Hz); 109.2 (d, J=25 Hz); 109.1 (d, J=25 Hz); 48.4; 46.4; 28.2; 27.3; 20.3; 18.9.

Example 5.10 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-1-morpholino-1-yl-ethanone from 3-fluorophenol

A mixture of 3-fluoro-phenol (5.6 g, 48.3 mmol), 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-1-morpholine-1-yl-ethanone (11.7 g, 48 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (8.0 g, 57.9 mmol) in 50 g of DMAC was heated to 100° C. for 1 h and then heated to 120° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and poured on 250 mL of H₂O and 50 mL of toluene. The aqueous phase was extracted with 25 g of toluene. The combined organic layers were extracted with 5% NaOH (20 g) and H₂O (2×20 g) and dried over Na₂SO₄. The crude product was obtained after removal of all volatiles under reduced pressure as a slightly yellow liquid. The material could be used in subsequent steps without further purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=7.31-7.36 (m, 1H); 7.01-7.04 (m, 1H); 6.94-6.99 (m, 2H); 3.68-3.78 (m, 8H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=162.9 (t, J=246 Hz); 157.6 (t, J=35 Hz); 150.3 (d, J=11 Hz); 130.7 (d, J=9 Hz); 116.7 (d, J=4 Hz); 115.3 (t, J=273 HZ); 113.3 (d, J=20 Hz); 109.0 (d, J=25 Hz); 66.7; 66.6; 46.8; 43.6.

Example 5.11 2,2-difluoro-2-(5-fluoro-2-nitro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide

A mixture of 2-nitro-5-fluoro-phenol (3.0 g, 19.1 mmol), 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide (3.9 g, 19.1 mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (2.1 g, 19.8 mmol) in 30 mL of DMAC was heated to 100° C. overnight. The mixture was then poured on 50 mL of H₂O and extracted with TBME (2×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with 10% NaOH (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄. The crude product was obtained after evaporation of all volatiles. Purification by chromatography on silica gave the product (1.8 g, 6.4 mmol, 38% yield) as a yellow oil that solidified upon standing.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=8.04 (dd, J=5.5 Hz, J=9.0 Hz, 1H); 7.26-7.29 (m, 1H); 7.13 (dd, J=2.5 Hz, J=7.5 Hz, 1H); 3.25 (s, 3H); 3.09 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=164.5 (d, J=258 Hz); 157.9 (t, J=34 Hz); 143.9 (d, J=11 Hz); 138.9; 127.9 (d, J=11 Hz); 115.5 (t, J=278 Hz); 113.6 (d, J=10 Hz); 110.9 (d, J=28 Hz); 37.2; 37.1.

Example 5.12 2,2-difluoro-2-(5-fluoro-4-nitro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide

Nitric acid (100%, 200 mL, 4.8 mol) was cooled to −5° C. 2,2-Difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide (19.0 g, 81.5 mmol) was added at rate to keep the temperature below −2° C. Upon complete addition stirring was continued for 30 min. The reaction mixture was then poured on 450 mg ice-water. The aqueous phase was extracted with TBME (3×100 mL); the combined organic phases were washed with water (100 mL) and brine (100 mL) and dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation of the solvent gave the crude product that was purified by preparative HPLC. The product (6.5 g, >98% by HPLC, 28% yield) was obtained as a yellow solid.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=8.31 (t, J=9.0 Hz, 1H); 7.68 (dd, J=2.5 Hz, J=12.0 Hz, 1H); 7.38-7.41 (m, 1H); 3.21 (s, 3H), 3.00 (m, 3H).

Example 5.13 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide

To a mixture of H₂SO₄ (98%, 34.5 g, 345 mmol) and HNO₃ (100%, 11.0 g, 175 mmol) at room temperature was added 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide (8.7 g, 37 mmol). The temperature rose to 40° C. and was kept at that temperature for further 3 h. The mixture was then poured on 100 g of ice-water. The precipitate was taken up in 50 g of toluene and the aqueous phase was extracted with 25 g of toluene. The combined org. phases were washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and water. The crude product (11.5 g, 82% purity by quant. HPLC, 29 mmol, 78% yield) was obtained after removal of all volatiles as a yellowish solid. Analytically pure material the crude material could be obtained after recrystallisation from cyclohexane/EtOAc (80:20).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ (ppm)=8.82 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H); 7.52 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H); 3.26 (s, 3H); 3.11 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ (ppm)=157.1 (d, J=276 Hz); 156.7 (d, J=34 Hz); 147.6 (td, J=3 Hz, J=11 Hz); 136.9; 132.9 (d, J=9 Hz); 124.2; 115.3 (t, J=281 Hz); 111.7 (td, J=3 Hz, J=26 Hz); 36.8; 36.7.

Melting point: 66° C.

Example 5.14 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-diethyl-acetamide

To a mixture of H₂SO₄ (98%, 261 g, 2.61 mol) and HNO₃ (100%, 107 g, 1.7 mol) at 0° C. was added 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-diethyl-acetamide (34 g, 130 mmol) with cooling. The mixture was then warmed to r.t. and stirred for further 3 h. Then, the mixture was poured on 750 g ice-water. TBME (250 mL) was added and the aqueous phase was extracted with TBME (200 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water (300 mL), saturated NaHCO₃ solution and brine. Drying over Na₂SO₄ and evaporation of all volatiles gave the product as a yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=8.82 (d, J=7.5 Hz); 7.53 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H); 3.57 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 3.45 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 1.18 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=157.6 (d, J=268 Hz); 156.6 (t, J=34 Hz); 148.2 (d, J=11 Hz); 137.3; 133.3 (d, J=8 Hz); 124.7; 115.8 (t, J=281 Hz); 112.3 (d, J=26 Hz); 42.3; 42.0; 14.1; 12.2.

Example 5.15 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-1-pyrrolidine-1-yl-ethanone

To a mixture of H₂SO₄ (98%, 22.0 g, 220 mmol) and HNO₃ (100%, 8.5 g, 135 mmol) at 0° C. was added 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-1-pyrrolidine-1-yl-ethanone (3.3 g, 12.7 mmol). The temperature rose to 10° C. and was kept at that temperature for further 16 h. The mixture was then poured on 150 g of ice-water and 80 mL of TBME. The aqueous phase was extracted with 50 mL of TBME. The combined org. phases were washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and water. The crude product (3.6 g, >98% purity by HPLC, 10.3 mmol, 81% yield) was obtained after removal of all volatiles as a yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=8.81 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H); 7.54 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H); 3.72-3.78 (m, 4H); 3.54-3.59 (m, 4H); 2.02-2.09 (m, 4H); 1.92-1.98 (m, 4H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=157.6 (d, J=274 Hz); 155.7 (t, J=34 Hz); 148.2 (d, J=11 Hz); 137.4; 133.3 (d, J=8 Hz); 124.7; 115.6 (t, J=280 Hz); 112.5 (d, J=32 Hz); 47.9; 47.0; 26.4; 23.5.

Melting point: 78° C.

Example 5.16 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-1-morpholine-1-yl-ethanone

To a mixture of H₂SO₄ (96%, 68.8 g, 701 mmol) and HNO₃ (100%, 13.3 g, 210 mmol) at 0° C. was added 2,2-difluoro-2-(3-fluoro-phenoxy)-1-morpholine-1-yl-ethanone (18.3 g, 90% pure, 60 mmol). The temperature was eventually increased to 40° C. and was kept at room temperature for 60 min. The mixture was then poured on 160 g of ice-water. and 80 g of chlorobenzene. The aqueous phase was extracted with chlorobenzene (2×40 mL). The combined org. phases were washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and water. The crude product (12.3 g, >90% purity by HPLC) was obtained after removal of all volatiles as a reddish solid. Recrystallisation from n-BuOH (150 mL) gave the product as a yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=8.82 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H); 7.52 (d, J=10.5 Hz, 1H); 3.68-3.78 (m, 8H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=157.5 (d, J=274 Hz); 155.8 (t, J=34 Hz); 147.6 (d, J=11 Hz); 137.2; 135.3; 124.7; 115.4 (t, J=281 Hz); 112.1 (d, J=26 Hz); 66.5; 66.4; 46.6; 43.8.

Melting point: 96° C.

Example 5.17 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-diamino-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide

To a solution of 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide (22.0 g, 68.1 mmol) in toluene (200 g) was added and Pd/C (10% Pd, dry catalyst, 0.7 g, 0.7 mmol). Thereafter, MeOH (80 g) was added and the mixture stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen (pressure of 0.1 bar) at 45° C. for 90 min. After completion of the reaction the pressure was released, the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The product (17.3 g, 84% pure by NMR, 55.2 mmol, 81% yield) was obtained as an off-white solid. If desired, the purity can be increased by chromatography (SiO₂, cyclohexane/EtOAc mixtures).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=6.79 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H); 6.16 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 4.95 (bs, 2H); 4.60 (bs, 2H); 3.19 (s, 3H); 2.96 (bs, 3H).

¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=158.3 (t, J=35 Hz); 141.7 (d, J=278 Hz); 137.6; 134.9 (d, J=14 Hz); 123.9 (d, J=9 Hz); 115.8 (t, J=272 Hz); 109.2 (d, J=22 Hz); 102.0 (d, J=4 Hz); 36.9; 36.2.

Example 5.18 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-diamino-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-diethyl-acetamide

A solution of 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-diethyl-acetamide (13.5 g, 38.4 mmol) and Pd/C (10% Pd, dry catalyst, 2.0 g, 1.9 mmol) in MeOH (395) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen (pressure of 0.1 bar) at 50° C. for 2 h. After completion of the reaction the pressure was released, the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, cyclohexane/EtOAc mixtures). The product was obtained as an off-white solid (11.0 g, 88% pure by NMR, 33.2 mmol, 86% yield).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=6.85 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H); 6.19 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 3.71 (bs, 4H); 3.58 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 3.45 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H); 1.25 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); 1.19 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=158.8 (t, J=35 Hz); 143.7 (d, J=231 Hz); 136.5; 133.5 (d, J=14 Hz); 126.9 (d, J=9 Hz); 116.1 (t, J=273 Hz); 110.3 (d, J=23 Hz); 103.8 (d, J=3 Hz); 42.4; 41.6; 14.1; 12.6.

Example 5.19 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4H-benzo-[1,4]-oxazin-3-one from 2,2-difluoro-2(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)]-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide

To a solution of 2,2-difluoro-2-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluoro-phenoxy)-N,N-dimethyl-acetamide (60.0 g, 186 mmol) in toluene (432 g) was added Pd on charcoal (5% Pd, 50% water content, 1.1 mmol). Thereafter MeOH (492 g) was added and the mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen (over pressure 0.1 bar) at 45° C. for 2 h. After completion of the reaction the pressure was released, concentrated HCl (36.5%, 22 g, 220 mmol) added and the reaction mixture heated to reflux for further 1 h. The catalyst was filtered off, the pH adjusted with NaOH to 9 and the MeOH distilled off under reduced pressure. After addition of water (200 g) and stirring for 1 h the precipitate was filtered off, washed twice with water (100 g) and dried at 50° C. under reduced pressure. The product was obtained as a tan solid (38.9 g, 90% pure by NMR, 160 mmol, 86% yield).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): δ (ppm)=11.9 (bs, 1H); 7.15 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H); 6.55 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H); 5.28 (bs, 2H).

¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 125 MHz): δ (ppm)=153.7 (t, J=38 Hz); 146.1 (d, J=235 Hz); 133.9 (d, J=15 Hz); 127.3 (d, J=11 Hz); 120.9 (d, J=3 Hz); 113.1 (t, J=260 Hz); 104.9 (d, J=24 Hz); 102.4 (d, J=5 Hz).

Examples 5.20 to 5.24 6-Amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one

Example 5.20

61.0 g (0.2678 mol) 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, 360 g ethyl acetate and 38.9 g (0.2815 mol) potassium carbonate were initially charged at 25° C. in a stirred vessel. 43.8 g (0.2945 mol) propargyl bromide (80% w/w in toluene) were added at 25-30° C. within 15 minutes. Thereafter the reaction mixture was stirred at 78° C. for 8 hours and then cooled to 25° C. The precipitated salt was filtered off and washed with 360 g of ethyl acetate. The combined ethyl acetate solutions were washed with 200 g hydrochloric acid (1%) and twice with 200 g water. The organic phase was dried by azeotropic distillation (ca. 600 g distillate). The remaining solution (158.5 g) comprised 40.3% by weight of the desired product (HPLC analysis with external standard). The yield (based on the amino compound used) was 93.1%.

From a small quantity of the solution the solvent was completely distilled off at reduced pressure. The remaining residue was recrystallized from methanol and dried. The obtained crystals (melting point: 239.2° C.) showed the following spectroscopical data:

1H-NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ (ppm)=3.45 (s, 1H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 7.26 (d, 1H).

Example 5.21

219.1 g (1.0 mol) 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one, 1100 g dimethylformamide and 145.5 g (1,053 mol) potassium carbonate were initially charged at 25° C. in a stirred vessel. 163.2 g (1.1 mol) propargyl bromide (80% w/w in toluene) were added at 25-30° C. within 30 minutes. Thereafter the reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 2 hours and then cooled to 25° C. The precipitated salt was filtered off and washed with 3300 g of ethyl acetate. The combined organic solutions were washed with 750 g water and with 750 g sodium sulfate solution (5%). The combined inorganic phases were extracted three times with 550 g ethyl acetate. All organic phases were combined and dried by aceotropic distillation. The remaining solution (635.3 g) comprised 40.05% by weight of the desired product (HPLC analysis with external standard). The yield (based on the amino compound used) was 97.8%.

Example 5.22

0.8 g (0.00348 mol) 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one (purity: 94.9%) were dissolved in 19.76 g ethyl acetate at 20° C. 0.075 g ethyltrimethylammoniumiodide and 0.284 g (0.00205 mol) potassium carbonate were added. Then 0.463 g (0.00435 mol) propargyl chloride (70% in toluene) were added. The mixture was heated to reflux (73-77° C.) over 10 h. Reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. and 20 g water was added under stirring. Phases were separated. The organic phase was evaporated to dryness at 45° C./4 mbar. 0.9 g solid with a purity of 95.0% (determined by quantitative HPLC) were isolated (yield: 95.9%).

Example 5.23

0.8 g (0.00348 mol) 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one (purity: 94.9%) were dissolved in 20 g ethyl acetate at 20° C. 0.505 g (0.00365 mol) potassium carbonate and 0.614 g (0.00435 mol) propargyl mesylate (95%) were added as solid. The mixture was heated to reflux (77° C.) over 3 h. Reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. and 20 g water was added under stirring. Phases were separated. The organic phase was evaporated to dryness at 45° C./4 mbar. 1.0 g solid with a purity of 88.1% (determined by quantitative HPLC) were isolated (yield: 98.9%).

Example 5.24

13.22 g (0.06 mol) 6-amino-2,2,7-trifluoro-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one (purity: 99%) were dissolved in 48 g DMF at 20° C. 10.67 g (0.077 mol) potassium carbonate and 7.98 g (0.075 mol) propargyl chloride (70% in toluene) were added. The mixture was stirred at 72° C. for 2 h. Reaction mixture was cooled to 3° C. and 120 g water were added under stirring over a period of 2 h at 3-5° C. Suspension was stirred for 3 h at 0-5° C. The solid was filtered off and washed with water. The wet solid was dried in a vacuum cabinet at 50° C./3 mbar over 17 hours. 14.8 g of a light brown solid with a purity of 99.3% (determined by quant. HPLC) were isolated (yield: 95.6%). 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A process for manufacturing a compound of formula (I),

wherein R¹ is H, halogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R² is H, halogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R³ is H, halogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R⁴ is H, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-alkenyl, C₃-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₃-C₆-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl; R⁵ is H or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R⁶ is H or C₁-C₆-alkyl; W is O or S; and Z is O or S; comprising reacting a compound of formula (II),

wherein R⁷ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl, C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl, aryl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl rings are unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, formyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, hydroxycarbonyl, and C₁-C₆-alkoxy carbonyl; with a compound of formula (III),

wherein R⁸ is C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl, C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl, aryl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl rings are unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, formyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, hydroxycarbonyl, and C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl; in the presence of a base.
 2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein R¹, R² and R³ are halogen.
 3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein W is O and Z is S.
 4. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein R⁷ is C₁-C₆-alkyl or aryl, wherein the aryl ring is unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.
 5. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein R⁷ is C₁-C₆-alkyl.
 6. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein R⁸ is aryl, wherein the aryl ring is unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.
 7. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein R⁸ is aryl, wherein the aryl ring is unsubstituted.
 8. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are aryl, wherein the aryl ring is unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy.
 9. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are aryl, wherein the aryl ring is unsubstituted.
 10. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound R⁷O—H formed in the course of the reaction is partly or completely distilled out of the reaction mixture.
 11. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (II) is prepared by reacting a compound of formula (IV),

with a compound of formula (V)

in the presence of a base.
 12. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (III) is prepared by reacting a compound of formula (VI),

with a compound of formula (VII)


13. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (II) is prepared by reacting a compound of formula (IV),

with a compound of formula (V)

in the presence of a base; and the compound of formula (III) is prepared by reacting a compound of formula (VI),

with a compound of formula (VII)


14. A process for preparing the compound of formula (I)

wherein R¹ is H or halogen; R² is halogen; R³ is H or halogen; R⁴ is H, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆-alkenyl, C₃-C₆-haloalkenyl, C₃-C₆-alkynyl, C₃-C₆-haloalkynyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl-C₁-C₆-alkyl; W is O or S, R⁶ is H or C₁-C₆-alkyl; R⁵ is H or C₁-C₆-alkyl; and Z is O or S; comprising preparing a compound of formula (III)

by reacting a compound of formula (VI),

with a compound of formula (VII)

wherein R⁸ is phenyl, which is unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, formyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, hydroxycarbonyl, and C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl; to obtain a compound of formula (III); reacting the compound of formula (III) with a compound formula (II)

wherein R⁷ is C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-cyanoalkyl, C₁-C₆-nitroalkyl, aryl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or aryl-C₁-C₆-alkyl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl rings are unsubstituted, partially or fully halogenated, or substituted by one to five substituents selected from the group consisting of CN, NO₂, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, OH, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, formyl, C₁-C₆-alkylcarbonyl, hydroxycarbonyl, and C₁-C₆-alkoxycarbonyl; in the presence of a base to obtain a compound of formula (I). 